According to an autopsy conducted by the Okanogan County Coroner and obtained by Page Six, Brown's death was ruled a suicide. The report determined that the 43-year-old died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The coroner also noted contributing factors, including immersion in water after the injury and the presence of methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death. Officials have since authorized the release of Brown's body to his family for funeral arrangements.
The findings bring a definitive answer to a story that unfolded publicly over several days and left family members fearing the worst. Brown, who rose to fame as one of the original stars of Discovery Channel's Alaskan Bush People, had been missing after witnesses reported seeing a man near the Okanogan River outside Oroville, Washington, on May 27.
As concern grew, Brown's younger brother Bear Brown began sharing updates with fans online. Before authorities formally identified the body, Bear revealed that witnesses had connected Matt to the incident.
"All the witnesses are saying that it was Matt," Bear said in a video posted during the search. "It looks like it is. It's looking very likely that it is the case."
Days later, Bear confirmed those fears had become reality. "They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt," he told followers.
He also revealed that his youngest brother, Noah Brown, was directly involved in the recovery effort. "Noah helped them pull the body out of the water, and Noah identified [Matt]," Bear said.
The tragedy followed years of personal struggles that Matt had discussed publicly. After becoming a familiar face during the early seasons of Alaskan Bush People, Brown stepped away from the series and entered rehabilitation for alcohol addiction.
In the years that followed, he maintained a limited public profile through social media and YouTube videos while remaining largely separated from the rest of the Brown family.
During the search, Bear spoke openly about those challenges, saying Matt had "been struggling for a long time with alcohol and with drugs." He also pushed back against claims that the family had abandoned his brother, explaining that their estrangement was more complicated than many viewers realized.
The autopsy findings also align with comments Bear made shortly after Matt's body was recovered. At the time, he said, "I would've never thought that Matt would hurt himself. It does look as though it was self-inflicted."
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, addiction, emotional distress, or thoughts of self-harm, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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