Matt Brown, best known for his role on the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, has died at the age of 42. His body was recovered from the Okanogan River in Washington state, according to the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office.
Discovery of the Body
The sheriff's office reported that a caller had spoken to a man sitting in shallow water south of Oroville. The caller turned away briefly and then saw the man face down in the water, drifting away in the current. The body was later identified as Brown's. A gun was found near the location where the man was last seen. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the coroner.
Family Statements
Brown's brothers, Noah and Bear Brown, confirmed his death on social media. Noah, who was present when the body was discovered, said in an emotional Instagram video: "I identified it as Matthew. My oldest brother, Matthew Brown, has passed away." Bear Brown, speaking on TikTok, indicated that the death appeared to be self-inflicted. He added, "I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly. He struggled for a long time." Bear urged the public to be respectful as the family grieves.
Matt Brown's Life and Struggles
Alaskan Bush People aired on Discovery Channel from 2014 to 2022, following the Brown family as they lived off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness. Matt was a cast member from the show's debut until 2019. During his time on the show, he was open about his struggles with alcohol. His brother Bear noted that Matt had been struggling for a long time, and the family had worried he might overdose but did not anticipate self-harm.
Reactions and Legacy
The news of Brown's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and former cast members. Noah Brown concluded his video with a message: "Say your prayers and tell people that you love that you love them while you can." The family has asked for privacy as they deal with the tragedy.
