'Alaskan Bush People' star Matt Brown’s cause of death revealed: New details emerge after tragic death'

The TV reality star, former cast member of Alaskan Bush People, Matt Brown died in May, 2026.

Page Six reported that, according to the autopsy, conducted by the Okanogan County Coroner, Brown’s death occured due to suicide. But what was revealed later was, “a single penetrating gunshot to the head”.

The autopsy report officially showed that other contributing factors could be “immersion in the river”. Reportedly he was also under the influence of methamphetamine.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, methamphetamine has been defined as a lab-made synthetic stimulant with high addiction potential. When sold as shiny bluish-white rocks or crystals, it may be called “crystal meth,” “Tina,” or “ice.” Its short term effects typically include feelings of euphoria and increased alertness and energy. Long-term use may lead to insomnia, memory loss, development of a substance use disorder, and other health problems.

The National Center for Health Statistics reveals that in 2024, around 79,384 people in the US died from drug overdose. The report also states that in 2021, in regions like Washington, drug overdose death rates primarily involved fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Previously there are a notable number of prominent Hollywood actors, who died from drug overdoses complications, related to substance abuse. The reason follows as prescription medications, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Among them Friends star, Mathew Perey, died in 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine and Glee actor Cory Monteith death was linked to heroin and alcohol toxicity. Oscar winner Heath Ledger reportedly died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2018.

In a previous TikTok video, shared by Bear, Matt’s brother, he said although he might not hurt himself but what it seems like a “self inflicted” injury.

“I didn’t think he would hurt himself, it does look like the injury is self-inflicted,” Bear said. “Obviously, the coroner has to look at him and stuff, but I thought you guys should know it is him.”


Bear also revealed that Matt had been struggling for a long time with alcohol and drugs.

Matt's body was found by a commoner who called 911 after discovering his body paddling in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington. After hearing the gunshot, the witness came back only to find Brown floating face-down in a swift current. On Saturday, his body was pulled from the river with his younger brother Noah among those in the scene.

“Noah helped them pull the body out of the water and Noah identified (Matt)”, he said.

The Alaskan Bush People TV series aired for 14 seasons on Discovery Channel, before it ended in 2022. The famous docudrama followed the Brown family as they lived off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness and later in Washington state.

Matt had previously stepped out of the show due to his ongoing struggles with addiction. Bear Brown had asked people to stop sending money to Matt which he might have used for funding his addiction.

According to Bear, the last conversation they had revealed that Matt had "fallen off the wagon" after a difficult period in his personal life. Bear claimed that Matt had recently gone through a painful breakup and had been drinking heavily, raising concerns among family members about his well-being and recovery.