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 was a single penetrating gunshot wound to the head.
Autopsy Findings and Contributing Factors
The autopsy report officially indicated that other contributing factors could include immersion in the river. It was also reported 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. When sold as shiny bluish-white rocks or crystals, it is commonly referred to as crystal meth, Tina, or ice. Short-term effects typically include feelings of euphoria, increased alertness, and energy. Long-term use may lead to insomnia, memory loss, development of a substance use disorder, and other health problems.
Drug Overdose Statistics in the United States
The National Center for Health Statistics reveals that in 2024, approximately 79,384 people in the United States died from drug overdoses. The report also states that in 2021, regions like Washington saw 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. For instance, Friends star Matthew Perry died in 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine, and Glee actor Cory Monteith's death was linked to heroin and alcohol toxicity. Oscar winner Heath Ledger reportedly died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2008.
Family Statements and Circumstances
In a previous TikTok video shared by Bear, Matt's brother, he stated that although he did not think 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 drugs for a long time.
Matt's body was discovered by a bystander who called 911 after finding him floating in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington. After hearing a gunshot, the witness 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 said, "Noah helped them pull the body out of the water and Noah identified (Matt)."
Background on Alaskan Bush People
The Alaskan Bush People TV series aired for 14 seasons on Discovery Channel before ending in 2022. The popular 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 people to stop sending money to Matt, which he might have used to fund his addiction.
According to Bear, the last conversation they had revealed that Matt had fallen off the wagon after a difficult period in his personal life. Bear claimed that Matt had recently gone through a painful breakup and had been drinking heavily, raising concerns among family members about his well-being and recovery.
