Alaskan Bush People Star Matt Brown’s Cause of Death Confirmed

Okanogan County, Washington – The cause of death for Matthew Brown, a prominent figure from the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, has been officially determined days after his body was discovered in a river. Brown, aged 42, was reportedly seen in a river in Okanogan County last week. His body was recovered from the water on May 30 by his younger brother, Noah.

On Wednesday, June 3, the Okanogan County coroner’s office confirmed that Brown died by suicide. Contributing circumstances to his passing were cited as “subsequent immersion in water” and being “under the influence of methamphetamine.”

Family Confirms Discovery and Mourns Loss

Brown’s brother, Bear, had previously indicated the possibility of suicide, noting what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound. Noah, 33, shared the emotional details of the search and recovery efforts. He communicated with multiple search teams, including non-profit organizations, working to locate his brother.

According to Noah, a local search team located Brown around 3:27 PM. He then rushed to the site. The team decided to move Brown’s body to shore, where Noah and others assisted in bringing the skiff further inland. The coroner subsequently arrived at the scene. Noah stated, “Right now, all I can say is that he was lost in the river. He was lost in the river and we found him.”

Noah also posted a video informing fans of the discovery. “It’s been a long day,” he said. “For the past couple days, I’ve been working with search and rescue groups trying to locate the body. And today, the group that I was working with located the missing body, and I identified it as Matthew.” He confirmed his presence during the recovery and identification process, noting that Brown’s identification and Social Security card were found on him.

Tributes Highlight Matt Brown’s Complex Life

In the wake of the tragic news, Bear shared a heartfelt tribute to his brother. “It is with broken hearts that we share the loss of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Matthew Brown,” the family’s statement read.

The tribute further described Matt as “intelligent, curious, creative, and endlessly fascinated by the world around him.” He was recognized as a “gifted outdoorsman, fisherman, boatman, artist, and lifelong learner” who “loved adventure, nature, and discovering new things.” The family highlighted his extraordinary intellect, noting his self-taught skills in sign language, studies of ancient languages, and his pursuit of learning new skills for the sheer joy of it.

Those who knew Matt personally recognized his compassionate and generous spirit. During periods of sobriety and recovery, he openly discussed his struggles with addiction and mental health, aiming to encourage others to seek help and offering hope. The family expressed immense pride in the lives he positively impacted.

The statement acknowledged Brown’s years-long battle with significant mental health challenges and addiction. The family shared the familiar cycle of hope, recovery, setbacks, heartbreak, and reconciliation experienced by many families facing similar circumstances. They emphasized their father Billy Brown’s unwavering belief in Matt’s capacity for healing and peace, a belief they shared.

While acknowledging that Matt’s life had its share of mistakes and painful chapters, the family stressed that a person’s life should not be solely defined by their lowest moments. They chose to remember him as a young man who loved the wilderness, navigated challenges, pursued his passions for art and learning, made them laugh, and dared to dream. “He was imperfect. He was human. He was deeply loved. And he will be missed beyond words,” the tribute concluded.

Investigation Details and Public Safety Information

Bear had previously disclosed that witnesses saw Brown near the river. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an investigation into a report of an unidentified man being swept away on Wednesday, May 27. Bear expressed his shock, stating, “I would’ve never thought that Matt would’ve taken his own life, honestly.”

According to a press release from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 caller reported speaking to a male sitting in the shallow water of the Okanogan River south of Oroville, Washington. The caller then observed the man face down in the water, drifting away in the current. Law enforcement, fire, and EMS responded but were unable to locate the individual.

Subsequent search efforts involved multiple deputies, watercraft, an aerial drone, and assistance from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A firearm was recovered from the water in the vicinity where the male was last seen. The search continued for several days.

A family member reportedly saw Brown near Driscoll Island Wildlife Area off Highway 97 in Oroville, Washington, on the morning of Wednesday, May 27, less than a mile from where the witness reported seeing the man in the river.

For individuals experiencing distress or considering self-harm, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 in the US. An online chat is also accessible at 988lifeline.org.