The Okanogan County Coroner's Office has confirmed that Matt Brown, known for appearing on Discovery's Alaskan Bush People, died by suicide. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as a single penetrating gunshot wound to the head, with contributing factors including immersion in a river and methamphetamine use.
Brown's body was discovered on 31 May in a river south of Oroville, Washington. He was 43 years old. The coroner's report noted that the body will be released to the family for final arrangements.
In a TikTok video, Brown's brother Bear announced the identification of the body, stating that another brother, Noah, helped pull him from the water. Bear expressed surprise at the suicide, having feared his brother might overdose but not harm himself. He urged respect and kindness from the public, noting that Matt had been affected by negative comments online.
The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office reported receiving a 911 call about a man sitting in shallow water. The caller heard a sound and later saw the man face down in the current. A firearm was recovered from the water. A search had been suspended due to severe weather.
Matt Brown was the eldest child of Billy and Ami Brown, who featured in the series from 2014 to 2019. Billy Brown died in 2021. Bear had previously shared that Matt struggled with drugs and alcohol for a long time.
