Authorities in Washington have suspended their search for a man believed to be former Alaskan Bush People cast member Matt Brown after reporting that no trace of him has been found in the Okanogan River. The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office announced on May 30 that search operations had been halted due to worsening river conditions and the need to gather additional information to better focus future efforts.
Search Efforts Intensify
According to the sheriff's office, deputies and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife agent spent several days searching an expanding area near where the man was reportedly last seen. Search teams utilized boats, personal watercraft, sonar equipment, and divers. A canine trained in the detection of human remains was also brought in, while crews used specialized equipment to drag the river bottom.
No Signs Found
“The male has not been located; no signs of the male have been located,” the sheriff's office said in its statement. Authorities noted that rainfall increased water levels and river currents, making conditions more dangerous and reducing the likelihood that the individual would remain near the location where he was last observed.
Identification Pending
The identity of the man has not been officially confirmed by authorities. The sheriff's office stated that identification will not be released until family notification procedures have been completed. This latest update follows comments made by Matt Brown’s brother, Bear Brown, who shared a video on social media stating that he had been informed that witnesses reported seeing Matt near a river before authorities were contacted. Bear said at the time that no body had been located and that search efforts were continuing.
Previous Concerns
This development comes weeks after Matt Brown attracted concern from some viewers during a livestream in which he said he had spent a night sleeping in a cemetery because he did not feel safe elsewhere. Brown, the eldest son of Billy and Ami Brown, appeared during the early seasons of Alaskan Bush People. He left the series in 2019 and has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with alcohol addiction.
