Matt Brown, known for his role as a star on the television series “Alaskan Bush People,” was found deceased in Washington on May 30th at the age of 42. The news was confirmed by his brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown, who made a heartfelt announcement on social media that same day.
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In a video posted online, Bear expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, “I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly.” He acknowledged that Matt had faced significant struggles for an extended period, fearing he might succumb to overdose rather than taking his own life.
The next day, the Brown family issued a statement mourning the loss of their beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. “It is with broken hearts that we share the loss of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Matthew Brown,” they declared. The statement further highlighted Matt’s enduring legacy as one of the original stars of “Alaskan Bush People” while emphasising the depth of his character beyond the show.
The family described Matt as a remarkable individual with an extraordinary mind, noting his intelligence, curiosity, and creativity. They highlighted his talents as an outdoorsman, fisherman, artist, and lifelong learner, alongside his love for adventure and nature. “Those who truly knew Matt knew his heart. He was compassionate and deeply wanted to help others,” they added.
Struggles with addiction and mental health issues were also acknowledged by the family. Matt had openly discussed his challenges during periods of sobriety, providing a source of encouragement and hope to others grappling with similar difficulties. “We are incredibly proud of the lives he touched,” they said, underscoring his commitment to supporting those in need.
The statement also reflected on the family’s journey, marked by ongoing battles with mental health and addiction. “Like countless families facing similar circumstances, we experienced periods of hope, recovery, setbacks, heartbreak, and reconciliation,” they shared. They noted that Billy Brown, the family patriarch and a prominent figure on the Discovery Channel until his death in 2021, had always believed in Matt’s potential for healing and peace.
While acknowledging Matt’s imperfections, the family insisted that his life should not be defined solely by his struggles. “When we think of Matt, we will remember the young man who loved the wilderness, could navigate rough waters, and dream bigger than most people ever dared,” they reflected. “He was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.”
Concerns regarding Matt’s wellbeing had arisen the day before his death, as Bear had posted a video on TikTok expressing worry about his brother’s struggles, mentioning issues with alcohol and drugs. Bear clarified that contrary to public perception, the family had not shunned Matt; rather, it was his choice to distance himself from them.
Matt Brown starred in “Alaskan Bush People” from its inception in 2014 until he left the show in 2019 due to his public battles with addiction. Following his departure, he lived much of his life under the radar, although he provided occasional updates to his fans through social media and YouTube.
He is survived by his brothers, Bear and Joshua, as well as his mother Ami and siblings Gabe, Noah, Amora, and Rain. The family is urging those in need of support to reach out for help, inviting anyone experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress to contact resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Matt’s tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for compassionate conversations surrounding addiction. As the Brown family processes their grief, they hope to continue Matt’s legacy of advocacy and hope in the face of adversity.