UPDATE: Michael Duarte’s wife, Jess Duarte, has broken her silence following the shocking death of the popular food influencer. In an emotional statement released to TMZ, Jess is addressing the public and pushing back against what she describes as damaging misinformation surrounding her husband’s passing.
Just hours ago, Jess shared her heartfelt tribute, stating, “I’ve struggled with what to do since his passing, so I’m doing what feels right… sharing his stories.” The outpouring of love from fans and the BBQ community has provided her strength, as she continues to navigate this painful chapter of her life.
Duarte’s tragic death occurred after a disturbing incident in Texas, where local deputies responded to a 911 call about a man with a knife acting erratically. According to the sheriff’s office, Duarte confronted a deputy and allegedly charged at her, shouting, “I’m going to kill you.” This confrontation led to the deputy firing two rounds, resulting in Duarte being taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Jess emphasized the importance of his legacy, saying she hopes to carry it forward while grappling with her loss. “I can feel him moving mountains,” she expressed, adding that the support from the community has been a lifeline during this difficult time.
In her statement, Jess also addressed the misinformation circulating online, urging the media and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. “The false narratives are disheartening and disrespectful to the legacy of a wonderful man,” she stated.
As the family prepares for memorial arrangements, Jess concluded her message with a poignant note: “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.”
The Duarte family, including Jess and their young daughter, now faces the challenge of moving forward without Michael. This developing story highlights the profound emotional impact of his loss on the community and his loved ones. Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared soon.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
