New details from the Okanogan County Coroner’s Office have shed light on the recovery and identification of former Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown, whose body was found in Washington’s Okanogan River on May 30.

According to officials, Brown, 43, was positively identified shortly after a coordinated search effort involving both law enforcement and volunteers. His younger brother, Noah Brown, was present during the recovery and ᴀssisted authorities in confirming his idenтιтy at the scene.

Investigators reported that Brown’s body was located downstream after an extensive search operation that included boats, sonar equipment, and shoreline sweeps. Due to shifting river conditions and fast currents, recovery teams had to carefully secure the remains before transporting them to shore for formal examination.

The coroner has since confirmed that the identification was made through a combination of visual confirmation by family members and official personal documentation found on the body. Following standard procedure, a full autopsy was conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

Authorities later ruled the death a suicide, citing a self-inflicted gunsH๏τ wound, with contributing factors including drug influence and “subsequent immersion in water.”

The Brown family has asked for privacy as they process the loss, describing Matt as a deeply creative and complex individual who struggled publicly with addiction but remained loved by those close to him.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the circumstances of the discovery and the emotional role family members played in the identification process, particularly the moment his brother helped bring closure to the search.