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As we beforehand reported, beloved content material creator Michael Duarte died unexpectedly earlier this week.

Higher often known as FoodWithBearHands, Duarte created barbecue and grilling movies that had been seen thousands and thousands of occasions.

At first, particulars had been nonetheless scarce, and Duarte’s family members solely confirmed that he handed away following a “horrible incident” that occurred whereas touring together with his household in Texas.

We now know that he was shot to loss of life in a confrontation with police.

In accordance with a press release from the Medina County Sheriff’s Workplace, officers responded to a 911 name on November 8 in Castroville, Texas, relating to a disturbance involving a “male topic with a knife performing erratically.”

Police say Duarte approached officers threateningly and “after a number of verbal instructions got for Duarte to get on the bottom by the deputy, Duarte charged towards the deputy whereas yelling, ‘I’m going to kill you’” (through TMZ).

Duarte had a documented historical past of psychological well being points. Sadly, he died on the scene.

Information of Duarte’s passing got here to us on Tuesday, courtesy of his expertise company, Alooma Media Group.

“It’s with profound disappointment that we share the passing of our valued shopper and expensive good friend, Michael Duarte,” the corporate stated in a press release (through Individuals).

“He was a real & loyal accomplice, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a outstanding particular person. His ardour, professionalism, and creativity left a long-lasting mark not solely on our crew however on everybody who had the privilege of working with him,” the assertion continued.

“We ask that you simply raise Michael’s household up in prayer throughout this extraordinarily troublesome time. This heartbreak got here with out warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him again residence to California and masking funeral bills.”

Michael’s family members echoed these remarks in a GoFundMe web page created for the good thing about his spouse and daughter.

The web page describes Mike as a “devoted husband to his spouse Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, brother and a loyal good friend to so many around the globe.”

“His heat, kindness, and generosity had been felt in each interplay, and he had a manner of constructing everybody round him really feel valued and impressed,” the publish continued.

“Michael’s passing is an amazing loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will proceed to reside on via the lives he touched.”

Duarte began making food-related movies after checking into rehab for points associated to his psychological well being through the Covid pandemic.

“My first one was with my daughter,” he wrote in a publish explaining his background. “That’s once I realized how completely happy creating content material made me. Over time, I started to see it wasn’t only a pastime — it could possibly be a enterprise, one thing larger than myself.”

Within the years since, his barbecue and grilling content material made him one of many web’s hottest meals influencers.

Michael is survived by his spouse of 9 years, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley.

The GoFundMe web page notes that his loss of life occurred simply three days after his marriage ceremony anniversary.

Our ideas exit to Michael Duarte’s family members throughout this extremely troublesome time.

We may have additional updates on this creating story as new info turns into accessible.