Wife of Food Influencer Michael Duarte Speaks Out After Tragedy

UPDATE: The wife of food influencer Michael Duarte, Jess Duarte, has publicly addressed his shocking death for the first time, sharing an emotional tribute and countering what she describes as damaging misinformation. In a heartfelt statement released to TMZ, Jess expressed her struggle since his passing and her commitment to sharing Michael’s stories, both as a content creator and as a devoted husband and father.

Jess revealed that the overwhelming support from fans and the BBQ community has been a source of strength during this challenging time. “The love I’ve received has been a lifeline,” she shared, highlighting how many lives Michael touched and her desire to honor his legacy. Despite grappling with her loss, Jess feels Michael’s purpose was much larger than life itself, stating, “I can feel him moving mountains.”

As the family navigates this tragedy, they are currently making memorial arrangements, with details to be shared soon. Jess also took a moment to directly address misinformation circulating online, stating, “The false narratives are disheartening and disrespectful to the legacy of a wonderful man. This is an active investigation, and I ask the media and public to refrain from sharing unverified information.”

The circumstances surrounding Michael’s death are alarming. Authorities in Texas confirmed that deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a man with a knife acting erratically. Reports indicate that Duarte confronted a deputy and allegedly charged at her, shouting, “I’m going to kill you,” prompting the deputy to fire two rounds. He was subsequently transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Jess concluded her statement with a poignant message: “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.” Michael is survived by Jess, his wife of 9 years, and their young daughter.

As this story develops, further updates are expected regarding the investigation and memorial arrangements. This heartbreaking situation reflects not only the personal loss felt by Jess and their family but also the broader impact on the community that Michael inspired through his work.