Discovery in shallow water
Matt Brown, who starred on Discovery Channel's "Alaskan Bush People" from 2014 to 2019, was found dead in a Washington state river on Wednesday after authorities responded to a 911 call. According to Page Six, the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office deputies responded after receiving a 911 call from a witness who reported seeing a man sitting in a shallow section of the river. The caller later reported hearing a sound and finding the man face down in the water before he was swept away by the current. Deputies recovered a body from the river, which his brother Noah positively identified as Matt.
Family confirms death and circumstances
Bear Brown confirmed his brother's death on social media Saturday through a TikTok video. "They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt," Bear said. He stated that the injury appeared to be self-inflicted, though he noted the coroner's office would conduct a full examination. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the area where the man was last seen.
Bear asked for privacy and respect for the family during the difficult time. "Please be respectful to the family, to my mom especially," he said. "Please don't attack my mom. Mom cares very much for Matt and always has."
Years of documented struggles
Matt had spoken publicly about his long battle with addiction. In a 2016 interview with People magazine, he described how his drinking escalated over time. "I started drinking lightly and then it got to be more and more," he said. "That's when I saw the problem around the corner, and I didn't want to be one of those guys."
After completing 35 days of treatment, Matt told the outlet he had gained perspective. "I learned a lot about myself in those 35 days. I've turned my weakness into a strength," he said.
Pattern of loss for the Brown family
The death marks another tragedy for the Brown family. Billy Brown, the patriarch of "Alaskan Bush People," died in 2021 at age 68 after suffering a seizure. The family released a statement at the time: "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure. He was our best friend — a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed."
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255.
