At a Glance
- Michael Duarte, the 39-year-old creator behind “FoodWithBearHands,” was shot twice by a deputy on Nov. 8 and died at a San Antonio hospital.
- A full autopsy report obtained by News Of Los Angeles lists two gunshot wounds-one to the left chest, one below the chest-and zero drugs or alcohol in his system.
- Authorities say they responded to a 911 call about a man with a knife “acting erratically” and threatening first responders.
- Why it matters: The findings add hard facts to a case that sparked national debate over police use of force against social-media figures.
A newly released autopsy has delivered the first detailed account of how Michael Duarte, the Texas-based food influencer followed by 2 million people across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, died after encountering a sheriff’s deputy in November.
Two Gunshots, Zero Substances
According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, Duarte sustained two gunshot wounds-one entering the left chest and the other striking below the chest. Both projectiles contributed to his death, which the coroner classified as a homicide. A toxicology screen found no alcohol or drugs in his body at the time he was shot.
Amanda S. Bennett reported that the autopsy report, obtained by News Of Los Angeles, aligns with the medical examiner’s earlier confirmation to the outlet that the cause of death was a gunshot wound.
The 911 Call That Brought Deputies
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office told media outlets that a 911 call came in around 11:28 a.m. on Nov. 8, describing “a male subject with a knife acting erratically.”
At the scene, a deputy reported finding Duarte:
- Making threats to “kill everyone”
- Attempting to assault fire and EMS personnel
- Ignoring “multiple verbal commands” to get on the ground
The deputy told investigators that Duarte then charged toward her while yelling, “I’m going to kill you,” prompting her to fire two rounds.
From Calipatria Kitchens to Viral Fame
Duarte grew up in Calipatria, California, learning to cook at his uncle’s small Mexican restaurant. He later held restaurant jobs around San Diego and, after a stay in rehab during COVID-19 for what he called a “mental health crisis,” began posting cooking videos. His first social clip featured his daughter Oakley, and the hobby evolved into a business that reached millions.
Family Tributes and a Promised Legacy
Duarte is survived by his wife Jessica and their daughter Oakley. Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, remembered him as “a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person.”
Jessica wrote on Instagram four days after his death:
> “I feel so touched and proud to know so many people that he has inspired … He gave everyone every bit of him so it’s my turn to give it back.”
On Thanksgiving she added:
> “I still can’t believe this is now my new normal without you.”
Key Takeaways
- The autopsy provides the first official, detailed description of the two gunshot wounds that killed Duarte.
- Toxicology results contradict any suggestion that substances played a role in his behavior that morning.
- The deputy’s account, relayed by sheriff’s representatives, remains the only public narrative of the moments before gunfire.
- With over 2 million followers, Duarte’s death has drawn heightened scrutiny to police encounters involving high-profile content creators.
