The reality television world is grappling with the tragic news of the passing of Matt Brown, a prominent figure from the popular series Alaskan Bush People. He was 43 years old. Matt Brown was the eldest son of the Brown family, whose unconventional lifestyle, deeply intertwined with nature and removed from the trappings of modern civilisation, captivated audiences for years. The series, which documented patriarch Billy Brown’s efforts to raise his wife Ami and their seven children in the Alaskan wilderness, saw Matt feature prominently in its initial eight seasons, airing from 2014 to 2019.
The somber announcement of Matt’s death came from his brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown, via an Instagram post. Bear Brown shared that the family had positively identified Matt’s body and indicated that his passing was likely due to 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,” Bear stated, conveying the family’s profound grief and the difficult circumstances surrounding their loss.
This marks another significant loss for the Brown family. Their patriarch, Billy Brown, passed away in 2021 at the age of 68 following a seizure. At the time of Billy’s death, Bear also took to Instagram to share the devastating news. He wrote, “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure.” He further elaborated, sharing a touching photo of Billy with his wife Ami, and expressed the deep void left by his father’s absence. “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 the Discovery Channel, the network that broadcast Alaskan Bush People, also issued a statement in 2021 following Billy Brown’s passing. “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.”
Reaching Out for Support
The news of Matt Brown’s death highlights the persistent and critical need for mental health support. For individuals in the UK and Republic of Ireland experiencing feelings of distress or struggling to cope, confidential support is available through the Samaritans. You can reach them by calling 116 123, emailing [email protected], or by visiting the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
In the United States, if you or someone you know requires immediate mental health assistance, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is accessible by calling or texting 988. Their website, 988lifeline.org, also offers online chat services. This vital resource is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving all individuals. For those in other countries, a comprehensive directory of helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org, connecting people with local support services.
The legacy of Alaskan Bush People was one of a family striving for a life less ordinary, a life dictated by the rhythms of nature. However, the harsh realities of mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or lifestyle. The passing of Matt Brown serves as a poignant reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that support systems are crucial for navigating life’s most challenging moments. The family’s openness, through Bear’s announcement, also contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental well-being and the importance of destigmatising suicide.
