Former Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown's cause of death has been confirmed as a suicide resulting from a single penetrating gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy report obtained by Page Six. The report from the Okanogan County Coroner in Washington also listed subsequent immersion in water and methamphetamine intoxication as contributing factors.
Circumstances of Death
Brown, aged 43, was reported missing after a witness contacted emergency services on May 27. The witness observed a man, later identified as Brown, wading in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington. After momentarily looking away, the witness heard a loud noise and then saw Brown floating face-down in the river's current. Authorities recovered his body on May 30, and formal identification was later made by officials.
Autopsy Findings
The autopsy report stated that Brown's remains would be released to his family for final arrangements. The report highlighted the gunshot wound as the primary cause of death, with the immersion in water and methamphetamine use as significant contributing factors.
Family Response
Shortly after Brown's disappearance, his younger brother, Bear Brown, shared updates on social media, expressing concerns that his brother may have taken his own life. Bear stated, "All the witnesses are saying that it was Matt. Someone definitely did, and a lot of people are thinking that it's him. It looks like it is. It's looking very likely that it is the case." Bear also mentioned that Matt had been struggling with alcohol and drug addiction for a long time.
Career and Legacy
Matt Brown appeared on Discovery's Alaskan Bush People from its premiere in 2014 until 2019. The reality series chronicled the Brown family's life in the Alaskan wilderness, earning widespread recognition among television audiences across the United States.
