Reality TV fans are mourning the loss of former Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown, who was found dead after a days-long search in Washington State.
Matt Brown, 43, was discovered in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington, after authorities and volunteers searched the area where a witness reported seeing a man enter the water. His body was recovered on May 30 and later positively identified by family members.
His brother, Bear Brown, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media video.
“They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear said. He also revealed that their brother Noah Brown assisted with the recovery efforts and helped identify Matt.
Where Did Matt Brown Die?
Authorities say Brown was found in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington, a small town located near the Canadian border. Dangerous river conditions, strong currents, and rising water levels had complicated search efforts.
What Happened?
According to the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, a witness reported seeing a man sitting in shallow water before the individual was later observed face down and drifting away in the river’s current. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the area where the man was last seen. The official cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the coroner.
Bear Brown stated that he never expected his brother would harm himself, noting that Matt had struggled publicly with addiction for years. While family members have shared their suspicions, authorities have not yet released an official ruling regarding the cause of death.
Matt Brown’s Journey After Reality TV
Matt was the eldest son of the Brown family featured on the Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People. The reality series aired for 14 seasons from 2014 through 2022 and followed the family’s unconventional off-grid lifestyle.
In recent years, Matt had openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse and recovery. He left the television series before its conclusion and had been sharing updates directly with fans through social media and YouTube.
Matt Brown’s Instagram
Fans can still view Matt Brown’s Instagram account here:
Family Asks for Respect
Following the confirmation of Matt’s death, Bear Brown urged followers to be mindful of their comments online and remember that public figures are real people dealing with real struggles.
The Brown family has requested privacy as they await final answers from investigators and the county coroner.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or having thoughts of self-harm, help is available by calling or texting 988 in the United States.
