[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
This is such heartbreaking news.
Matt Brown, the eldest son from the famous family featured on Discovery’s Alaskan Bush People, is dead at the age of 42. The devastating update comes after days of growing concern from family members who feared something terrible had happened.
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According to Matt’s brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown, a body discovered in a Washington river was identified as Matt.
Bear shared the painful news with followers on social media on Saturday, explaining that the family had been anxiously awaiting answers, which came with what Bear said was apparently Matt’s death by suicide:
“They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt. I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly. He struggled for a long time, as I’ve mentioned, and I worried he was going to end up, like, OD’d or something like that. I didn’t think he would hurt himself.”
Bear went on to share additional details about what the family has been told so far:
“It does look as though the injury is self-inflicted. Obviously, the coroner and stuff still has to look at him and stuff, but I thought that y’all guys should know that it is him.”
Wow.
The reality TV personality also revealed that their brother Noah Brown was reportedly present at the scene and assisted authorities in recovering Matt from the water, while also helping with identification.
The tragic development follows an emotional video Bear posted days ago. At the time, he said he had heard reports involving Matt but was unable to independently verify them. The uncertainty appeared to weigh heavily on him as he spoke directly to fans who were seeking information.
Before the reported discovery, Bear said witnesses had allegedly seen Matt near a river in Washington, prompting concern and eventually leading to a search effort. And now, this… ugh. It’s just so awful.
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Matt’s struggles with addiction were no secret. During and after his time on Alaskan Bush People, he spoke publicly about his battle with alcohol abuse and his efforts to get treatment. While many viewers first came to know him through the family’s unconventional off-grid lifestyle, Matt later became known for candidly sharing his personal journey with recovery.
After stepping away from the Discovery series in 2019, Matt largely lived outside the spotlight. Still, he maintained a dedicated audience online, regularly posting videos about his life, reflections, and recovery experiences. Over the years, he built a sizable following on YouTube, where thousands of supporters continued to check in on his progress.
Matt was the eldest child of Ami and the late Billy Brown, who died in 2021, per People. He appeared prominently during the early years of Alaskan Bush People and helped introduce audiences to the Brown family’s unique way of life.
Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Matt during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org.
[Image via Matt Brown/Instagram]
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