‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown Dead at 43 in Latest Reality TV Tragedy
Matt Brown of Alaskan Bush People has died at age 43.
Matt Brown of ‘Alaskan Bush People’ battled ‘serious mental health challenges,’ family says
Brown was found dead in the Okanogan River is Washington State on May 30, according to a press release from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office. Matt’s younger brother Noah Brown confirmed in an Instagram video that he identified his sibling’s body after it was discovered by search and rescue. An official cause of death has not been released. But Matt’s brother Bear Brown indicated that he died by suicide.
“I never though he would have hurt himself,” Bear said in a video shared on social media. It appeared that “the injury is self-inflicted,” he added.
“Matt spent many years battling serious mental health challenges and addiction,” his family said in a June 1 statement.
“To millions of viewers, Matt was known as one of the original stars of Alaskan Bush People. To us, he was so much more,” they wrote on Instagram. “Matt was intelligent, curious, creative, and endlessly fascinated by the world around him. He was a gifted outdoorsman, fisherman, boatman, artist, and lifelong learner. He loved adventure, nature, and discovering new things.”
“Those who truly knew Matt knew his heart. He was compassionate, generous with his time, and deeply wanted to help others … He encouraged others to seek help, offered hope to people fighting similar battles, and reminded them they were not alone. We are incredibly proud of the lives he touched,” they added.
Darrell Sheets of ‘Storage Wars’ recently died by suicide
Matt Brown’s death comes roughly a month after the death of Storage Wars alum Darrell Sheets. Sheets died by suicide on April 22 in Arizona. After his death, several of his co-stars said he had been the target of an online harassment campaign; police are investigating if cyberbullying played a role in Sheets’ death.
In March 2024, Garrison Brown of TLC’s Sister Wives died by suicide. Garrison had appeared on the show with his dad, Kody Brown, as well as Kody’s four wives and his 17 siblings, since 2010. Episodes filmed prior to his death highlighted tension in his relationship with his father over COVID-19 protocols and other issues. Season 20 followed the family in the aftermath of Garrison’s death.
Other reality stars, including alums of Chrisley Knows Best to The Bachelorette, have spoken about the intersection of reality TV and mental health. Producers of Love Island USA have pleaded with viewers to remain kind to cast members, who often become lighting rods for criticism. The show also has a team of mental health professionals to support Islanders before, during, and after, filming, producers told Vogue.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community,” read a recent post on the Love Island USA Instagram. “We love seeing your reaction, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
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