Alaskan Bush People Star Matt Brown’s Cause of Death Confirmed
Okanogan County, Washington – The cause of death for Matthew Brown, a prominent figure from the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, has been officially determined by the Okanogan County coroner’s office. Brown, 42, was found deceased in a river in Okanogan County days after he was reportedly seen in the water. His body was recovered on May 30 by his younger brother, Noah Brown.
On Wednesday, June 3, authorities confirmed that Brown died by suicide. The official report cites ‘subsequent immersion in water’ and being ‘under the influence of methamphetamine’ as contributing factors to his passing. These details emerged after initial reports his brother, Bear Brown, who had alluded to a self-inflicted wound but did not specify its nature or location.
Discovery and Recovery of Matthew Brown
Noah Brown, 33, detailed the emotional process of locating his brother. He explained his involvement with multiple search teams, including two independent non-profit organizations. A local team located Matthew on the afternoon of May 30. Noah recounted rushing to the scene and described how the search team had already moved his brother’s body from the water to the shore using a small boat. He and others then assisted in hauling the boat further onto land, where the coroner later arrived.
“Right now, all I can say is that he was lost in the river. He was lost in the river and we found him,” Noah stated, reflecting on the tragic end to the search.
Noah had previously shared a video with fans, announcing the discovery and his role in identifying his brother. He explained that after search and rescue groups located the body, he was present when it was pulled from the river and subsequently identified it as Matthew.
Tributes and Family Reflections
Following the confirmation of Brown’s death, his brother Bear shared a heartfelt tribute. He described Matthew not just as a television personality but as a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. Bear highlighted Matthew’s intelligence, curiosity, creativity, and fascination with the world. He was remembered as a gifted outdoorsman, artist, and a lifelong learner who pursued knowledge in diverse fields, including sign language, ancient languages, and Spanish.
The family’s statement emphasized Matthew’s compassionate nature and his desire to help others. They noted his openness about his struggles with addiction and mental health, and his efforts to encourage others to seek help and find hope. The family acknowledged the challenges they faced managing Matthew’s long battle with mental health issues and addiction, expressing their enduring belief in his potential for healing and peace.
“Matt’s life was not without mistakes, struggles, and painful chapters,” the family stated. “Some of those chapters caused hurt, and we do not minimize that. At the same time, we do not believe any person’s life should be defined solely by their lowest moments.” They concluded by remembering him for his love of adventure, his capacity for learning, his humor, and his ambitious dreams, affirming, “He was imperfect. He was human. He was deeply loved. And he will be missed beyond words.”
Circumstances of the Incident
Reports indicate that Matthew Brown had been seen by multiple witnesses in the Okanogan River in northern Washington state in the days leading up to his discovery. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office had been investigating a report of an unidentified man being swept away by the river on Wednesday, May 27. A 911 caller reported speaking to a male sitting in shallow water before seeing him face down and drifting away in the current. Emergency responders were unable to locate the individual at that time.
A firearm was reportedly recovered from the water in the vicinity where the man was last seen. The search efforts were extensive, involving multiple watercraft, divers, and an aerial drone, continuing for several days.
Bear Brown had mentioned that his last conversation with Matthew involved him admitting to a relapse, to which Bear encouraged him to seek help and return to recovery. He also addressed public perceptions, stating that the family had not shunned Matthew and that his mother deeply cared for him.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, confidential support is available. In the US, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or access online chat services at 988lifeline.org.
