Bear Brown’s Emotional Plea After Brother Matt’s Death: “He Was Seen in the River”

Oroville, Washington — In a raw, tearful video posted on social media, Bear Brown has issued a heartbreaking plea to the public, revealing that his brother Matt Brown was last seen in the Okanogan River before his body was recovered on May 30, 2026. The emotional message has intensified grief for the Alaskan Bush People family while underscoring the quiet desperation of the private search that ultimately brought Matt home.

Bear confirmed that witnesses reported seeing a man floating face-down in the river near Oroville around May 27. “He was seen in the river,” Bear said, his voice breaking. “We kept looking even after the official search ended. We couldn’t just let him go.” Younger brother Noah Brown joined the private effort and helped authorities identify Matt’s body when it was finally located.

The Okanogan County Coroner ruled the 43-year-old’s death a suicide, citing a single gunsH๏τ wound to the head, river immersion, and methamphetamine in his system. No foul play was involved. Bear’s statement also addressed Matt’s long battle with addiction and mental health: “Matt struggled for years. We tried everything—rehab, therapy, family support. In the end, the demons won. This is devastating.”

The family has asked for privacy as they plan a private memorial. Fans and former castmates have flooded social media with tributes to Matt’s adventurous spirit and larger-than-life personality on the long-running Discovery series, while acknowledging the harsh realities many reality stars face once the cameras stop rolling.

Bear’s plea has resonated widely, highlighting both the family’s relentless love and the broader need for mental health and addiction support. As the Brown family mourns, their candid grief serves as a poignant reminder of the personal battles behind the public persona—and a call for compᴀssion toward those still fighting similar demons.