Body of ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown Found in Washington River After Apparent Suicide

Oroville, Washington — The body of Matt Brown, the 43-year-old former star of Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People, was recovered from the Okanogan River on May 30, 2026, and the Okanogan County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death a suicide.

Brown was found after witnesses reported seeing a man floating face-down in the river near Oroville around May 27. A private search party, joined by his younger brother Noah Brown, located and recovered the body after the official search had concluded. Noah ᴀssisted authorities in making the positive identification at the scene.

The coroner determined the cause of death to be a single penetrating gunsH๏τ wound to the head, with contributing factors of river immersion and the presence of methamphetamine in Brown’s system. No evidence of foul play has been found, and the ruling is considered definitive.

Brown’s brother Bear Brown confirmed the death on social media, writing that Matt “struggled for years” with addiction and personal demons. “We tried to help him in every way we could,” Bear stated. “This is devastating for our family.” The Brown family has asked for privacy as they grieve.

Matt Brown appeared on Alaskan Bush People from its early seasons through 2018 before leaving the series in 2019. His Instagram account, active until his disappearance, reflected ongoing battles with mental health and substance abuse. Fans and former castmates have paid tribute to his larger-than-life personality and adventurous spirit.

The case has highlighted the challenges many reality television personalities face after leaving the spotlight, including addiction and mental health struggles. No memorial details have been released.

As the investigation closes, the focus shifts to remembrance of a man whose off-grid Alaskan life was chronicled for millions—now tragically cut short.