Former Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown posted a series of concerning livestreams and videos in the weeks leading up to his death that later took on a chilling new meaning after his body was recovered from a Washington state river.

Brown, 42 or 43, was found dead in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington, in late May 2026. His younger brother Noah helped pull him from the water and positively identified him. Officials later ruled the death a suicide caused by a single gunshot wound to the head, with subsequent immersion in water and the presence of methamphetamine listed as contributing factors, according to the Okanogan County Coroner’s Office.

In the days and weeks before the incident, Brown had shared livestreams on YouTube that alarmed viewers. One widely discussed broadcast showed him appearing intoxicated or under the influence, speaking incoherently at times, and at points appearing to carry or handle what looked like a firearm. In portions of the footage he was also reported to be nude or partially undressed while outdoors. Fans and commenters later pointed to moments in which he discussed personal struggles, recovery, isolation, and dark reflections that, in hindsight, seemed to foreshadow what followed.

A witness called 911 on or around May 27 after speaking with a man sitting in shallow water in the Okanogan River south of Oroville. The caller turned away briefly, heard a sound, and then saw the man face-down in the water as the current carried him away. A firearm was later recovered in the area. Official searches were hampered by dangerous river conditions; a private search effort involving family members and volunteers ultimately located the body several days later. Bear Brown, another of Matt’s brothers, confirmed the identification publicly and said the injury appeared self-inflicted.

Brown had long spoken openly about his battles with addiction and mental health. He left the Discovery Channel series amid those struggles and continued documenting his life, recovery attempts, and personal difficulties on YouTube. In the period before his death he was also dealing with a recent breakup and practical setbacks, according to people close to the family.

The final videos, once viewed as troubled but ordinary livestreams from a man fighting personal demons, are now widely described by viewers as haunting. Clips have circulated online with commentary focusing on the distress visible in Brown’s demeanor and words in the days leading up to the river incident.

Sources

• People magazine reporting on the Okanogan County Coroner’s confirmation of cause of death
• Statements and videos from Bear Brown and Noah Brown
• Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office accounts of the 911 call and search