RismadarVoice Reporters, June 1, 2026
Matt Brown, a cast member of the Discovery Channel reality series, Alaskan Bush People, has been found dead in the Okanogan River in Washington State, authorities and family members have confirmed.
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said the body was discovered on Saturday by a private search team and later identified by the county coroner as Brown. Officials added that the cause and manner of death will be determined following an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office extended condolences to the Brown family as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death continue.
Brown’s brothers, Noah and Bear Brown, confirmed the development on social media, with Noah stating that he was present when the body was recovered and personally identified his brother.
“I identified it as Matthew. My oldest brother, Matthew Brown, has passed away,” Noah wrote in an emotional post.
Matt Brown appeared on Alaskan Bush People from its debut in 2014 until 2019, a reality series documenting the Brown family’s life in the Alaskan wilderness. During his time on the show, he was open about his struggles with alcohol.
His brother Bear Brown also reflected on Matt’s long-standing personal challenges, expressing shock over the circumstances of his death and acknowledging concerns about his well-being in recent years.
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said its search began earlier in the week after a caller reported seeing a man sitting in shallow water in the river before he was later seen drifting face down in the current. A firearm was reportedly recovered near the scene as investigations continue.
Authorities said multiple search teams, including volunteers, participated in the recovery efforts before Brown’s body was eventually located.
Family members have since called for prayers and urged people to cherish loved ones while they are still alive.
The sheriff’s office and coroner continue to investigate the exact cause of death.
