OROVILLE, Wash. — Matt Brown, a former cast member of the reality series “Alaskan Bush People,” was found dead in the Okanogan River on May 30, 2026. Family members suspect that his death may have been a suicide. The 42-year-old’s body was located by local residents searching the river, following a report about a man seen sitting in shallow water.
According to the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call alerted authorities after witnesses observed a man who subsequently appeared face down in the water. Officials also recovered a firearm in the vicinity where Brown was found. The sheriff’s office confirmed Brown’s identity the following day, but the coroner has yet to determine the official cause of death.
Brown gained notoriety as one of the primary figures in “Alaskan Bush People,” a docudrama that aired from 2014 to 2022, depicting the life of his family living off the grid in Alaska. As the eldest son, he was a prominent character during the show’s early years, known for his warmth, creativity, and picturesque portrayals of life in the wilderness.
During his tenure on the show, which included 79 episodes across its initial eight seasons, Brown showcased his unique personality while confronting the challenges of living far from modern amenities. However, he eventually departed the series to focus on his battle with addiction, a struggle that had been a central theme in his life both on and off the screen.
Matt Brown’s addiction issues were not a secret. He sought treatment multiple times and often shared glimpses into his recovery journey with fans through social media. Despite hopes for his sobriety, the circumstances surrounding his death left his family unsettled. Bear Brown, one of Matt’s brothers, revealed in a heartfelt video that Noah Brown, another sibling, was involved in locating Matt’s body and had to face the emotional task of identifying him.
In the video, Bear expressed disbelief over the nature of Matt’s passing, saying he had anticipated that his brother may suffer from an overdose rather than take his own life. He recounted a recent conversation with Matt, in which Matt confided about relapsing. “I never thought he would hurt himself,” Bear shared, capturing the pain and shock that accompanies such a loss.
Brown’s struggle with addiction was a well-documented part of his life, and the family has openly discussed his mental health challenges. As they reflect on their memories, his family issued a poignant statement through social media, describing Matt as “intelligent, curious, and creative.” They acknowledged the battle he faced while emphasizing that one’s life should not be defined solely by their struggles.
Following his death, there has been an outpouring of grief from fans who followed Matt’s journey on screen and online. Many have shared tributes in honor of his life, demonstrating the impact he had on viewers throughout the years.
Matt Brown is survived by his mother, Ami, and his six siblings — a family that has experienced immense loss, following the death of their father, Billy Brown, in 2021. As they mourn, they hope for compassion from the public, especially given the negative comments that plagued Matt’s social media accounts in recent years. Bear urged fans to be kind, reminding them that words can carry weight during challenging times.
The family eagerly awaits the coroner’s findings as they navigate this profound grief and reflect on the life of a man who was, in their eyes, more than his struggles. Matt’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew him best, as well as the audience who watched him grow over the years.
If you or someone you know requires support, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at 988.