The final resting place of Matt Brown, a prominent figure from the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, has been revealed weeks after his death. Brown, who was 42 years old, died by suicide in May 2024. His remains were cremated at the Okanogan County Crematory in Okanogan, Washington, on June 24, according to reports. The official confirmation of his cause of death came from the Okanogan County coroner’s office on June 3, stating that Brown died from a gunshot wound to the head. Contributing factors noted were ‘subsequent immersion in water’ and being ‘under the influence of methamphetamine’.
Discovery and Recovery of Matt Brown’s Body
Matt Brown was last seen by witnesses in a river in Okanogan County, northern Washington state. His body was recovered from the water by his youngest brother, Noah Brown, on May 30. Noah Brown, 33, recounted the harrowing experience of the search and recovery efforts. He explained that multiple search teams, including non-profit organizations, were involved in locating his brother. A local team eventually found Matt’s body around 3:27 PM, texting Noah with the news.
The search team then transported Matt’s body from the river to shore in a small skiff before Noah and other participants helped haul it further inland. Noah was present when the coroner arrived to confirm the identity. He stated that Matt’s identification and Social Security card were found on him, aiding in the visual confirmation. Noah had been actively communicating with search teams for days leading up to the discovery.
In a video shared with fans, Noah described the difficult day, confirming he had been working with search and rescue groups to locate his missing brother. He expressed the profound sadness of identifying his sibling’s body after it was pulled from the river. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office had initially responded to a report on May 27 of an unidentified man being swept away in the Okanogan River. A firearm was recovered from the water near where the man was last seen. Search efforts, involving watercraft, divers, and drones, continued for several days.
Family Tributes and Matt Brown’s Struggles
Following the confirmation of Matt Brown’s death, his brother Bear Brown shared a poignant tribute. He spoke of the deep sorrow felt by the family over the loss of their son, brother, uncle, and friend. To the public, Matt was known as one of the original stars of Alaskan Bush People, but to his family, he was much more.
Bear described Matt as an intelligent, curious, and creative individual with a profound fascination for the world. He was recognized as a gifted outdoorsman, fisherman, artist, and a lifelong learner who embraced adventure and discovery. Matt’s intellectual pursuits were extensive; he taught himself sign language, studied ancient languages like Sanskrit and Egyptian hieroglyphs, and learned conversational Spanish. He possessed a remarkable ability to master new skills simply for the joy of understanding them.
The family emphasized Matt’s compassionate nature and his desire to help others. During periods of sobriety and recovery, Matt openly shared his battles with addiction and mental health through videos and personal outreach, aiming to encourage others facing similar challenges and offer hope. His family expressed immense pride in the positive impact he had on many lives.
Bear acknowledged that Matt had grappled with significant mental health challenges and addiction for many years. He noted that, like many families, they had experienced cycles of hope, recovery, setbacks, and heartbreak. He affirmed that their father, Billy Brown, and the rest of the family never lost faith in Matt’s potential for healing and peace.
The family’s statement further elaborated on Matt’s life, acknowledging that it was marked by struggles and painful chapters that caused hurt. However, they stressed that a person’s life should not be defined solely by their lowest points. They chose to remember Matt as a young man who loved the wilderness, possessed strong navigational skills, could draw for hours, immerse himself in learning, bring unexpected laughter, and dream ambitiously. They concluded by stating he was imperfect, human, deeply loved, and will be profoundly missed.
Addressing Misconceptions and Seeking Respect
Bear Brown also addressed public perceptions that the family had estranged Matt. He clarified that this was not the case and urged fans to be respectful, particularly towards their mother, whom he stated cared deeply for Matt throughout his life. He implored the public not to attack her online.
The family’s memorial statement echoed this sentiment, describing Matt as a young man who loved adventure and was constantly exploring new ideas. They highlighted his love for the natural world and his capacity for deep learning and creativity. His relatives stated that he would be missed beyond words.
For anyone struggling with mental health or addiction, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 in the US. An online chat is also accessible at 988lifeline.org.
