‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown Dead at 43 After Body Pulled From River

Matt Brown
Matt Brown/YouTube

What To Know

  • Matt Brown, star of Alaskan Bush People was found dead at age 43 after his body was recovered from a river.
  • Matt’s death appears to be self-inflicted, but it is not yet confirmed.
  • Bear Brown urged fans to be respectful and mindful of their comments, as followers sent prayers.

Warning: The following post contains discussions of suicide.

Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown is dead at 43, his brother, Bear Brown, confirmed in an emotional video shared on social media.

At roughly midnight going into the morning of Sunday, May 31, Bear, 38, took to Instagram with a heartbreaking update on Matt, after revealing on Friday that his older brother was missing and feared dead.

“They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt,” the Discovery Channel star revealed.

Matt was the eldest of Ami Brown and the late Billy Brown‘s seven kids. Behind him were sons Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown, Solomon “Bear” Brown, Gabriel “Gabe” Brown, and Noah Brown, and daughters Amora “Snowbird” Brown and Merry Christmas “Rain” Brown.

In his video, Bear explained that Noah “helped them pull him out of the water” and identified their deceased brother.

“I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly,” an emotional Bear admitted. “He struggled for a long time, as I’ve mentioned. And I was so worried he was going to end up, you know, like, OD’d or something like that. I didn’t think he would hurt himself.”

The bereaved brother continued, “It does look as though the injury is self-inflicted. Obviously, the coroner and stuff still has to look at him and stuff. But I thought that y’all guys should know that it is him.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bear Brown (@bearbrownthekingofextreme)

To conclude his update, Bear sent a direct message to social media followers. “Please be respectful to my family and to my mom, and please watch the comments that you leave, guys. Sometimes words can hurt more than fists can… One of his last videos, he’s actually talking about how negative people were on his posts. And you guys should keep in mind that people on the other side of your screen, people that you’re watching a video of, they are real people, too.”

In the comments, Instagram users flooded Bear with prayers and condolences, with one follower writing, “So sorry for your loss, love and prayers to you and your family.”

Another shared, “Oh my goodness!! I am so deeply sorry to you and your family.”

Someone else echoed, “Nothing but prayers for you and your family. Special prayers for your mother.”

A different follower commented, “I’m sorry. And so sorry for Noah. That will forever traumatize him.”

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user wrote, “I’m so sorry, Bear! I can’t believe this! Your mother must be devastated! You all are in my prayers!”

Alaskan Bush People aired on the Discovery Channel for 14 seasons from 2014 to 2022.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by texting or dialing 988. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.




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  1. M

    Mrvweos

    Matt was the reason I first started watching the show. He was really down to earth. He was very knowledgeable about Alaska, and I enjoyed his take on things. You'll be missed brother.

  2. T

    Terry

    May the Lord bless and keep each and every one of the family. Prayers are lifted up.

  3. S

    smtpets2100

    Awful news

  4. L

    Leanna

    So sorry to read this, I watched the show from the beginning,we all have our own issues and sometimes they’re just too heavy for some to carry. I don’t believe I know of any families that haven’t been touched by this situation.Its terrible for the people involved.My deepest sympathies to the family.Rest In Peace,Matt Brown.♥️🙏🏼🌻

  5. P

    P_tischer2373

    I would love to say i really do love ur show, I watched it from start to finish and when I would watch it I would think I was right there with ur family and I would really like to say, I am so sorry for ur loss, and I do know it's hard to come out of something like that when family is so close. I really do wish I could meet all of u. I wish ur family the best.

  6. J

    Joan Noga

    Prayers for entire Brown family ❤️

  7. T

    Tawana Duncan

    I’m so sorry I was praying he was okay. God Rest His Soul!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  8. F

    From NH Sheila

    We are so sorry to hear such sadden news , our thoughts and prayers are with you all threw this difficult time . RIP Matthew . Blessings 🙏🙏🙏🙏

  9. T

    tsmealor

    So sorry. The loss of family like this is very painful. No matter what happened it doesn’t feel any better. May God Bless your family and let you feel peace.

  10. C

    Cl

    I am so sorry for your loss. Weve had depression and suicide in our family. I cant express how deeply sorrowful i am. My prayers are with your family.

  11. N

    Nomaggots

    The bulb in the spotlight only shines so long, when it burns out, they have darkness, and don't know which direction is forward. Reality shows about people like this is so boring, I never have watched them. Don't even know who the dude is, (was)....….

  12. W

    wazoolie

    Meth…..

  13. J

    JF

    So sorry for his loss; prayers for everyone.

  14. D

    Donna

    I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to the family. He is now at peace which he had a hard time finding in life. Sure his dad was waiting with open arms to hug him.

  15. J

    Jim Pietrowski

    Peace and Comfort to the family and friends. Back in the day enjoyed the show and the people.

  16. D

    Drew

    Never watched the show or even heard of it, but all these "reality" shows are unbelievably narcissistic and self absorbed. The family needs to reassess its values and priorities. If they had earlier, maybe this tragedy could have been avoided. Fifteen minutes of fame ($$$) is not worth the loss of a brother and son.