The cause of death for food influencer and chef Michael Duarte has now been confirmed after he died last month in Texas.
A spokesperson for the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to People that the social media personality died from a gunshot wound and his death has now been officially ruled a homicide.
The spokesperson also mentioned that the full autopsy results are still pending.
Duarte, 36, was shot by a deputy after a standoff with law enforcement last month in Texas. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital in San Antonio.
Police say they received a 911 call on Nov. 8 about “a disturbance involving a male subject with a knife acting erratically.”
“After multiple verbal commands were given for Duarte to get on the ground by the deputy, Duarte charged toward the deputy while yelling, ‘I’m going to kill you,’” according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities say that when Duarte allegedly failed to comply, a deputy fired two shots, striking him.
Following his death, a GoFundMe was launched to support his wife, Jessica, and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.
“We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time,” the page description reads. “This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses.”
Duarte’s wife released an emotional statement saying she has “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.”
Duarte’s talent agency, Alooma Media Group, shared a tribute writing, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte. He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. 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.”
Just two weeks before he was shot, Duarte opened up about his mental health struggles.
“I hit a breaking point and had a mental health crisis that led me to rehab,” he shared in an Instagram post.
He added, “Looking back, I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life.”
