The reality star’s body was found floating in a river on May 30.The reality star’s body was found floating in a river on May 30.
“Alaskan Bush People” star Matt Brown was cremated following his death by suicide at the age of 43.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ on Friday, the reality star’s ashes were given to the Okanogan County Crematory on June 24.
The TV personality’s body was discovered in the Okanogan River in Washington on May 30. An eyewitness called emergency services after seeing a man, later identified as Brown, wading in the water.
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office revealed the 911 caller turned and saw a man “facedown in the water drifting away in the current” after hearing “a sound” at the river.
Matt’s younger brother, Bear Brown — who had shared earlier that week that he feared Matt had died by suicide — subsequently announced that his older brother “took his own life.”
“They found a body in the river a few hours ago and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear said in a TikTok.
Bear revealed that the youngest of the seven Brown siblings — Noah Brown — was the first of the family to see his brother’s body and aid in recovering it.
Bear further claimed the documentary star had “been struggling for a long time with alcohol and with drugs” and that amid his struggles, he “didn’t want anything to do with the family.“
A few days after Matt’s death, the Okanogan County Coroner ruled the TV star’s death a suicide caused by a penetrating gunshot wound to the head, per a report obtained by Page Six.
It also revealed that Matt was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his death.
In a social media statement, the show mourned Matt’s death on June 2.
“We’re saddened to hear of Matt Brown’s passing,” they wrote at the time, alongside a portrait of the star holding a hat over his chest.
“He shared so much of his life with viewers over the years and was an important part of Alaskan Bush People. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who were touched by his story.”
In the days following his death, TMZ reported that Matt’s ex-girlfriend — who had split from him just weeks prior to his death — “did everything she could” to help him face his “personal struggles.”
Insiders told the outlet that Jamie urged the reality star to seek professional help for months, believing she couldn’t be his “only source of strength” as he faced his “darkest moments.”
Those in the pair’s inner circle said Jamie was “a positive influence in his life,” and insisted she “remained committed” to Matt’s well-being — even despite their split.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
