Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown has died. He was 43.
Alaskan Bush People was a reality series that followed patriarch Billy Brown’s naturalist family as he lived life removed from civilization alongside his wife Ami and their seven children.
Matt was the couple’s oldest child, and appeared in the first eight seasons of the show from 2014 to 2019.
His death was announced by his brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown. In an Instagram post, Bear Brown indicated that the family had identified the body and that Matt had likely died by suicide.
“Obviously, the coroner still has to look at him and stuff, but I thought that y’all guys should know that it is him,” added Bear.
Billy Brown died in 2021 after suffering a seizure at the age of 68.
At the time, Bear announced the news on Instagram, writing: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure.”
He added, alongside a photo of Billy with his wife, Ami: “He was our best friend – a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed.
“He lived his life on his terms, off the grid and off the land and taught us to live like that as well. We plan to honour his legacy going forward, and to continue with his dream. We ask for privacy and prayers during this painful time. God Bless Everyone!”
A spokesperson for Discovery Channel, who aired the show, said in 2021: “We are devastated to hear of Billy Brown’s sudden passing. He has been part of the Discovery family for years – a trailblazer, a lovely man and most definitely one of a kind.
“Our heart is with his family and those that knew him and loved him as they deal with this devastating loss.”
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If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
