Matt Brown, the eldest son from the hit Discovery Channel reality series Alaskan Bush People, was found dead on Saturday, May 30. He was 43. His body was recovered from the Okanogan River in Washington state following a multi-day search that was repeatedly hampered by severe weather and fast-moving currents.
The tragic news broke via social media when Bear Brown posted an emotional TikTok update to confirm the loss of his brother. Bear revealed that their brother Noah was directly involved in pulling Matt from the water and providing a positive identification to authorities, according to a report from Us Weekly that detailed the family’s immediate reaction and Matt’s long-standing public battles with addiction.
The timeline leading to the discovery started on Wednesday, May 27. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip about a man sitting in shallow waters who was suddenly swept away by the current. Sheriff Jodie Barcus organized an extensive response utilizing the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, sonar equipment, divers, and a Spokane-based canine trained in human remains detection, but dangerous river conditions and heavy rainfall quickly forced search crews to suspend operations.
Authorities have not yet performed an official autopsy, but Bear shared grim suspicions regarding the cause of death. He stated he observed what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound, suggesting the incident was likely a suicide rather than an accidental drowning. The Brown family had long feared Matt might succumb to a fatal drug overdose, noting his tragic recovery on May 30 and the final chapters of his deep estrangement from the rest of the famous off-grid clan.
Matt was a central figure during the initial run of Alaskan Bush People, which aired for 14 seasons before ending in 2022. He spent his recent years living off the grid in Washington state, documenting his solitary life and sobriety attempts on his personal YouTube channel. The death marks the second severe blow to the reality TV family in recent memory, following the 2021 passing of patriarch Billy Brown at age 68 from a fatal seizure. Bear has publicly requested that fans give the grieving family, especially their mother Ami, privacy and respect during this time.