Matt Brown, known for his role in the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, has been found dead in a river in Washington state, according to authorities. His body was recovered by a private search team after several days of coordinated search efforts in Okanogan County.
Officials from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body was discovered in the Okanogan River on Saturday. The remains were later identified by the county coroner, who will now determine the official cause and manner of death.
Authorities said Brown’s body was found following an extended search operation launched after a report of a man seen in the river near Oroville in north-central Washington. The sheriff’s office said the search began after a 911 caller reported speaking to a man sitting in shallow water before hearing a sound and seeing the individual face down in the river.
During the search, emergency crews and volunteer groups combed the river area using both ground teams and aerial support. Officials said the recovery effort concluded when a private search team located the body.
Brown’s brothers, Noah Brown and Bear Brown, confirmed his death through emotional statements shared on social media. Noah Brown said he was present when the body was recovered and identified his brother at the scene.
In his statement, Noah urged people to value their loved ones, describing the loss as deeply painful for the family. He confirmed that his older brother Matthew Brown had passed away.
Matt Brown became widely known after appearing on the Discovery Channel reality series Alaskan Bush People, which first aired in 2014. The show followed the Brown family as they lived in remote wilderness conditions in Alaska, highlighting their survival lifestyle.
Brown remained part of the series until 2019 and was known for being open about personal struggles during and after his time on television. Family members have previously spoken about his challenges with alcohol and mental health.
His brother Bear Brown also addressed the loss in a social media video, where he reflected on Matt Brown’s long-term struggles. He suggested that the circumstances of the death may involve self-inflicted harm, though official confirmation will depend on the coroner’s findings.
Bear Brown also referenced concerns about his brother’s well-being in the past, expressing regret and shock at the outcome. He said the family had feared for Matt’s safety due to ongoing personal difficulties.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that a gun was found near the location where the body was discovered. Investigators are treating the case with caution as they await forensic and medical examination results.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether foul play is suspected or if the incident is being treated as self-inflicted. The coroner’s report will be key in determining the final conclusion.
Representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind Alaskan Bush People, have not yet commented on the situation. Efforts to reach family representatives were also unsuccessful late Sunday.
The Brown family has faced tragedy before, including the death of family patriarch Billy Brown in 2021. The latest loss adds to a series of difficult events for the family over recent years.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Matt Brown’s death. More details are expected once the coroner completes the official examination and releases findings.
