Food influencer Michael Duarte’s wife breaks silence after he was fatally shot by police while threatening to kill ‘everyone’

Food Influencer Michael Duarte’s wife shared a tribute to her husband while she fired back on “false narratives” after police fatally shot the social media personality, who allegedly threatened to “kill everyone” with a knife during an altercation.

Jessica Duarte revealed Thursday night that she is struggling with the loss of her husband, nearly a week after the 36-year-old’s death during a family trip to Texas.

“I’ve struggled with what to do since his passing so I’m doing what feels right and that’s sharing his stories. Whether they be about his content or Mike as my husband, daddy and friend to all,” the grieving widow wrote on Durate’s Instagram “FoodWithBearHands.”

“I feel so touched and proud to know so many people that he has inspired over his time here on earth. I plan to keep his legacy going not only for him but his family,” she said. “He gave everyone every bit of him so it’s my turn to give it back. I’m not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path.”

Jessica Duarte said she was strengthened by the “outpouring love” she received from her husband’s BBQ community.

“I’m still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l’m starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger. I’m starting to see God work in mysterious ways that l’ve never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace,” she said.

Duarte was killed by two shots from a Medina County sheriff’s deputy’s gun in Castroville around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, when officers responded to a 911 call about a “male subject with a knife acting erratically,” police told The Post.

“Duarte was exhibiting erratic behavior and making threats to kill everyone,” the Medina County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

“He was attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel who had responded to the scene as the deputy pulled up,” police added.

Duarte refused commands from police to drop the knife he was holding and allegedly attempted to attack instead, telling officers, “I’m going to kill you,” police said.

An officer then opened fire and shot Duarte. He was pronounced dead at a San Antonio hospital.

Jessica Duarte blasted the “false narratives” surrounding her husband’s death.

“As for the media coverage surrounding his death, the false narratives are disheartening and disrespectful to the legacy of a wonderful man,” she wrote. “This is an active investigation and I ask that all media and the public refrain from sharing unverified information.

“Mike, I’m proud to be your wife and I will carry that title with honor for the rest of my life. See you on the other side, Daddy.”

Duarte’s death was first reported by TMZ, citing his family and talent agency who said the social media star died in a “horrible accident.”

The California-based content creator was traveling in Texas with his family, just three days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary.

The chef commanded a following of 2 million across social media, where he posted videos showing off his creative and electric barbeque recipes and methods under his “FoodWithBearHands” handle.

Duarte and his wife share a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.

The food influencer had been open about his past mental health struggles, telling followers on social media how he suffered a breakdown during the Covid-19 pandemic that forced him to seek psychiatric treatment.

He began creating his videos after recovering from the breakdown, with his jokester personality and humor sending the mouthwatering videos viral.

“Looking back, I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life. The shutdown hit me hard and took a big toll on my confidence,” he wrote.