Duarte, known for his engaging food videos and creative culinary presentations, was 34 years old.
According to a statement released by his management agency, Alooma Media Group, Duarte died on November 8 after an incident that occurred when police responded to a distress call about a man behaving erratically while wielding a knife.
The San Antonio Sheriff’s Department said that responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation through multiple verbal commands.
According to a statement released by his management agency, Alooma Media Group, Duarte died on November 8 after an incident that occurred when police responded to a distress call about a man behaving erratically while wielding a knife.
The San Antonio Sheriff’s Department said that responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation through multiple verbal commands.
However, the confrontation escalated when Duarte allegedly charged at one of the deputies while shouting threats. One officer fired two shots, striking Duarte in the torso.
He was given first aid at the scene before being transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Duarte had built a massive following online, attracting more than 800,000 fans across TikTok and Instagram.
He was given first aid at the scene before being transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Duarte had built a massive following online, attracting more than 800,000 fans across TikTok and Instagram.
His platform, Foodwithbearhands, was known for its playful, hands-on approach to cooking and food reviews, making him one of the most recognizable culinary influencers on social media.
His videos often blended humor, creativity, and accessibility — turning everyday meals into viral sensations.
His videos often blended humor, creativity, and accessibility — turning everyday meals into viral sensations.
Duarte’s unique style earned him partnerships with top food brands and appearances in lifestyle features across U.S. digital media platforms.
The timing of his death shocked many fans, as it came only days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica, on November 3.
Jessica shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing:
“To the world, you were Foodwithbearhands, but to us, you were a loving husband and father. You did not deserve this.”
The couple shared a six-year-old daughter, Oakley, who, according to family friends, was Duarte’s “biggest source of joy.”
News of Duarte’s death spread rapidly across social media, sparking a wave of grief — and renewed debate over police use of force in the United States.
Fans flooded the comment sections of his most recent posts, expressing disbelief and frustration.
“What ever happened to using a taser first?” one fan wrote.
Another commented, “He had a knife, yes, but there were other ways to disarm him. Shooting to kill shouldn’t be the first response.”
While some defended law enforcement’s actions, saying officers were faced with a life-threatening situation, others questioned whether better training could have prevented the tragedy.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support Duarte’s wife and daughter, raising thousands of dollars within hours of going live.
The timing of his death shocked many fans, as it came only days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica, on November 3.
Jessica shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing:
“To the world, you were Foodwithbearhands, but to us, you were a loving husband and father. You did not deserve this.”
The couple shared a six-year-old daughter, Oakley, who, according to family friends, was Duarte’s “biggest source of joy.”
News of Duarte’s death spread rapidly across social media, sparking a wave of grief — and renewed debate over police use of force in the United States.
Fans flooded the comment sections of his most recent posts, expressing disbelief and frustration.
“What ever happened to using a taser first?” one fan wrote.
Another commented, “He had a knife, yes, but there were other ways to disarm him. Shooting to kill shouldn’t be the first response.”
While some defended law enforcement’s actions, saying officers were faced with a life-threatening situation, others questioned whether better training could have prevented the tragedy.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support Duarte’s wife and daughter, raising thousands of dollars within hours of going live.
In its official statement, Alooma Media Group mourned Duarte as a creative professional who left a lasting mark on the culinary and digital entertainment space.
“He was a loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and a remarkable individual. His passion and creativity touched countless lives,” the statement read.
Friends described Duarte as “warm-hearted, curious, and endlessly creative,” noting that he had been planning to launch a YouTube series highlighting street food from different U.S. cities.
His death has reignited broader conversations around mental health awareness, crisis response, and non-lethal policing tactics in the United States — especially concerning individuals experiencing distress.
In a separate incident, Russian crypto millionaire Alexei Dolgikh, 36, died in a car crash in Moscow just hours before Duarte’s death.
Dolgikh’s Lamborghini Urus reportedly veered off a major highway, killing him and a passenger instantly.
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