The television reality star and former cast member of Alaskan Bush People, Matt Brown, passed away in May 2026. According to Page Six, the autopsy conducted by the Okanogan County Coroner determined that Brown's death was a suicide. The report later revealed that the cause of death was a single penetrating gunshot wound to the head. Additional contributing factors included immersion in the river, and it was noted that Brown was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his death.
Understanding Methamphetamine
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is a lab-made synthetic stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It is often sold as shiny, bluish-white rocks or crystals and is commonly referred to as crystal meth, Tina, or ice. Short-term effects include euphoria, increased alertness, and heightened energy. Long-term use can lead to insomnia, memory loss, substance use disorder, and various other health complications.
Drug Overdose Statistics
The National Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2024, approximately 79,384 people in the United States died from drug overdoses. In 2021, regions like Washington experienced high drug overdose death rates primarily involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Numerous prominent Hollywood actors have died from drug overdose complications related to substance abuse, including prescription medications, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Notable examples include Friends star Matthew Perry, who died in 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine; Glee actor Cory Monteith, whose death was linked to heroin and alcohol toxicity; and Oscar winner Heath Ledger, who died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2018.
Family Statements
In a previous TikTok video shared by Bear Brown, Matt's brother, he stated that while he did not believe Matt would hurt himself, the injury appeared to be self-inflicted. Bear said, "I didn't think he would hurt himself, it does look like the injury is self-inflicted. Obviously, the coroner has to look at him and stuff, but I thought you guys should know it is him." Bear also revealed that Matt had been struggling with alcohol and drug addiction for a long time.
Discovery of Matt's Body
Matt's body was discovered by a civilian who called 911 after finding him floating in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington. The witness heard a gunshot and returned to find Brown face-down in a swift current. On Saturday, his body was pulled from the river, with his younger brother Noah among those present at the scene. Bear confirmed, "Noah helped them pull the body out of the water and Noah identified (Matt)."
Background on the Show
Alaskan Bush People aired for 14 seasons on the Discovery Channel before concluding in 2022. The docudrama followed the Brown family as they lived off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness and later in Washington state. Matt had previously stepped away from the show due to his ongoing struggles with addiction. Bear Brown had asked the public to stop sending money to Matt, as it might have been used to fund his addiction.
Final Conversations
According to Bear, their last conversation indicated that Matt had fallen off the wagon after a difficult period in his personal life. Bear claimed that Matt had recently experienced a painful breakup and had been drinking heavily, raising concerns among family members about his well-being and recovery.
