TLDR: Matt Brown, one of the seven Brown siblings on Alaskan Bush People, died in late May 2026 in Okanogan County, Washington. The Okanogan County Coroner ruled his death a suicide. Reports gave his age as 42 or 43.
Matt Brown was one of the seven grown children who starred in Alaskan Bush People on Discovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
What Happened in May 2026
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said a caller contacted 911 on May 28, 2026, about a man in the Okanogan River south of Oroville, Washington, according to Fox 9. Searchers did not find him that day.
Two days later his brother Bear Brown confirmed that a body had been found and identified it as Matt. Their brother Noah helped pull Matt from the river, per the family.
The Okanogan County Coroner ruled the death a suicide, the Spokesman-Review reported on June 5, 2026. Fox 9 gave Matt’s age as 43, while the Spokesman-Review gave it as 42.
What the Family Said
Bear said on TikTok that he never suspected Matt would hurt himself. On Instagram, he said Matt had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for a long time.
Bear also said the family had not shunned Matt, and that Matt did not want contact with them.
Matt’s Time on the Show
Matt left Alaskan Bush People early because of addiction, according to Entertainment Weekly as cited by Fox 9. Looper reported that he left during Season 9 and went to rehab in 2016 and 2018.
The show aired for 14 seasons on Discovery and ended in 2022. For the rest of the family, see our Alaskan Bush People cast update.
The Brown Family’s Earlier Loss
Matt’s father, Billy Brown, died in February 2021. We cover that in what happened to Billy Brown, and both deaths are listed in our Alaskan Bush People roundup.
Matt Brown: Frequently Asked Questions
How did Matt Brown from Alaskan Bush People die?
The Okanogan County Coroner ruled his death a suicide, according to the Spokesman-Review on June 5, 2026. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 in the United States.
When did Matt Brown die?
He died in late May 2026. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said a 911 call came in on May 28, and Bear Brown confirmed the body had been found two days later.
How old was Matt Brown?
Reports differ. Fox 9 gave his age as 43, and the Spokesman-Review gave it as 42.
Why did Matt Brown leave Alaskan Bush People?
Entertainment Weekly reported that he left the show early because of addiction. Looper reported that he left during Season 9.
Where did Matt Brown die?
His body was found in Okanogan County, Washington, in the Okanogan River south of Oroville.
