Jessica posted a tribute on Duarte's Instagram page, saying that she was struggling with what to do since her husband's death.
"I feel so touched and proud to know so many people that he has inspired over his time here on earth. I plan to keep his legacy going not only for him but his family," she wrote.
"He gave everyone every bit of him so it's my turn to give it back. I'm not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path," the post read. She also thanked people who have reached out to her, sharing that "the outpouring love has really given [her] strength."
"I can feel him moving mountains❤️, a big thank you to my tribe," Jessica continued before thanking his BBQ community for making her feel like she has "an army behind" her.
"I'm still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l'm starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger. I'm starting to see God work in mysterious ways that l've never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace," she said.
She continued, "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 ❤️."
Jessica said they are making funeral arrangements and that an active investigation is still underway.
The 39-year-old content creator -- known online under the handle "FoodWithBearHands" -- maintained a following of over 2 million across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, where he shared cooking videos and BBQ and grilling recipes. He shared 6-year-old daughter Oakley with Jessica.
Duarte's death was first confirmed by his talent agency, Alooma Media Group, in a Nov. 9 Instagram post. Representatives for the Medina County Sheriff's Office later confirmed to TMZ and USA Today that Duarte was shot by a deputy after he allegedly charged at her with a knife while she was responding to a disturbance call.
Per USA Today, the Medina County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 11:28 a.m. on Nov. 8 "regarding a disturbance involving a male subject with a knife acting erratically." The deputy discovered Duarte, who was allegedly "making threats to kill everyone" and "attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel," the outlet reported.
After the deputy gave "multiple verbal commands" for Duarte to get on the ground, he allegedly "charged toward the deputy while yelling, 'I'm going to kill you,' " at which point she fired her weapon twice, striking him, according to USA Today. He was pronounced dead at a San Antonio hospital.
A GoFundMe established to financially support Duarte's family described his death as a "horrible accident," adding, "This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses."
Duarte grew up in Calipatria, Calif., a small city near the U.S.-Mexico border, first learning to cook while working at a small Mexican restaurant owned by his uncle, whom he called a "mentor" in an Instagram post.
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As a young adult, Duarte continued to work in the restaurant industry, taking several jobs in the San Diego area. Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, he went to rehab after experiencing a "mental health crisis," he shared on Instagram. Once he was out of rehab, he got a new job at a restaurant and started posting on social media in his spare time.
"My first one was with my daughter," he wrote. "That's when I realized how happy creating content made me. Over time, I began to see it wasn't just a hobby -- it could be a business, something bigger than myself."