Michael Duarte’s Wife Breaks Silence on Food Influencer’s Death

Food influencer Michael Duarte’s wife, Jess, has broken her silence following his tragic death, sharing a heartfelt tribute while also addressing what she refers to as harmful rumors circulating online.

In a statement to TMZ, Jess expressed her struggles in coping with Michael’s passing, stating, “I’ve struggled with what to do since his passing, so I’m doing what feels right … sharing his stories. Whether they’re about his content or Mike as the husband, daddy and friend to all.”

She went on to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from fans and the BBQ community, describing it as a lifeline during this difficult time. Jess revealed that she has been moved by the number of people Michael inspired and expressed her desire to carry on his legacy, despite still coming to terms with what that entails.

Jess admitted that the support she has received has given her strength, noting that she can “Feel him moving mountains.” While she is still grappling with the loss, she is beginning to realize that Michael’s purpose was much greater than she initially thought.

The family is currently working on memorial arrangements and plans to share details in the near future. Jess also took a moment to address the misinformation circulating online, urging the media and the public to refrain from sharing unverified information. She emphasized that false narratives are disrespectful to Michael’s legacy and that the situation is still under investigation.

In a poignant conclusion to her message, Jess expressed her pride in being Michael’s wife and vowed to carry that title with honor for the rest of her life. She ended with a heartfelt line, saying, “See you on the other side, Daddy.”

As previously reported, Michael Duarte’s tragic death occurred after deputies in Texas responded to a 911 call about a man acting erratically with a knife. The sheriff’s office stated that Duarte confronted a deputy and charged at her while shouting threats, leading her to fire two rounds. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Michael Duarte is survived by his wife Jess, whom he was married to for 9 years, and their daughter. The family is still coming to terms with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and friend to many.