Michael Duarte, a popular food influencer known for his recipe videos and barbecue content, died Nov. 8 in Texas at 39.

His death was confirmed via Instagram by Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, in a Nov. 9 post. A GoFundMe page, also shared by Alooma, cites a "horrible accident" as the cause of Duarte's death, revealing he died during travel in Texas.

In a Nov. 12 statement shared with USA TODAY, Sheriff Randy Brown of the Medina County Sheriff's Office said that around 11:28 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, the office responded to a 911 call in Castroville, Texas, "regarding a disturbance involving a male subject with a knife acting erratically."

A deputy then encountered Duarte, who allegedly was "making threats to kill everyone" and "attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel," according to Brown. Following the officer's "multiple verbal commands" to get on the ground, Duarte allegedly "charged toward the deputy while yelling, 'I'm going to kill you,'" per the sheriff.

The statement said the deputy discharged her weapon twice, striking Duarte. He was later pronounced dead at a San Antonio hospital. The state's Texas Rangers are investigating the incident, according to the sheriff.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte," Alooma wrote in its post, accompanied by a photo of Duarte with his wife Jessica and 6-year-old daughter Oakley.

"Michael was so much more than a client to us at Alooma. He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person," they continued. "His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

"Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, [a] brother and a loyal friend to so many around the world," Alooma wrote. "His warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired."

Who was Michael Duarte, aka @foodwithbearhands?

Known as @foodwithbearhands on Instagram, Duarte amassed a sizable following across social media platforms with his mouth-watering content. He often shared recipes and quick-cut videos of sizzling meat or unlikely flavor combinations.

Getting his start working in an uncle's California restaurant in his early teens, Duarte later moved around, suffered a mental health crisis during the pandemic and went to rehab. After leaving rehab, he leaned into food content creation.

"Michael's passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on through the lives he touched," Alooma concluded its statement. "From all of us at Alooma, our hearts go out to Jessica, their daughter, and everyone who is mourning this loss. Michael will be deeply missed but never forgotten."

The GoFundMe page, which asks for donations to help support Duarte's family and cover funeral costs, says his death "came without warning."

"This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses," the page says. "During this time, and in the months/years ahead, we want to make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be. Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'FoodWithBearHands' influencer Michael Duarte dies in 'horrible accident' at 39

Reporting by Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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