Matt Brown of Alaskan Bush People is feared dead after witnesses reported seeing a man take his own life in the Okanogan River
The reality television community is grappling with a devastating and unfolding tragedy this weekend as Matt Brown, the eldest son of the Alaskan Bush People family, is officially feared dead. Authorities and family members confirm that a search operation is underway following reports that a man was seen floating face-down in Washington’s Okanogan River on Wednesday, May 27.
A Troubling Disappearance
The crisis began when witnesses near the Driscoll Island Wildlife Area in Oroville, Washington, alerted emergency services to a man in the shallow waters of the river. According to witness accounts provided to authorities, the individual appeared to take his own life before drifting away in the river’s current.
Law enforcement, including police and fire rescue teams, responded immediately to the scene, where they recovered a firearm from the water near the location where the man was last seen. Despite an intensive search effort involving EMS and specialized personnel, a body has yet to be recovered as of May 29, hampered in part by local weather conditions.
Family Speaks Out Amidst the Search
Matt’s brother, Bear Brown, took to TikTok to address the harrowing reports, expressing deep concern that the man seen in the river was his brother. “I’m being told that late last night Matt took his own life,” Bear shared in a candid video. While he noted that he could not confirm the identity with 100% certainty, he stated that witnesses and other information led him to believe it was “99% him”.
Bear also took the opportunity to dispel rumours that the family had abandoned Matt, emphasizing that they had spent years attempting to support him through multiple rehab stays and ongoing personal struggles. “The family didn’t and never turned their back on Matt,” he insisted, explaining that Matt had chosen to distance himself from his relatives.
A History of Struggle
The disappearance follows a period of mounting concern for the 43-year-old former reality star. Earlier this month, Matt posted a disturbing livestream on his YouTube channel in which he appeared incoherent and was seen carrying a firearm.
Matt Brown had been public about his long-standing battles with substance abuse, which led to his departure from the hit Discovery series Alaskan Bush People in 2019. Since then, he had relocated to rural Washington, living a largely isolated life while documenting his recovery and daily activities on social media.
As the search continues, the Brown family and local authorities are asking for privacy. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the search operation will resume as weather permits, though the identity of the person in the water remains unconfirmed until a body is recovered.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit988lifeline.orgfor confidential support.
