On Sunday, May 30, 2026, authorities announced they suspended the search for a man in Washington’s Okanogan River they believe to be Matt Brown, star of “Alaskan Bush People.” Sheriffs came to this decision due to “dangerous” river conditions.
This decision was made after Matt’s brother, Bear, shared a video with authorities saying witnesses saw Matt “[take] his own life” and that “he was seen in a river, at a river or close to a river.”
Searching for Matt Brown
The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release they suspended search efforts for the remains of a man “reported deceased in the Okanogan River.”
According to the sheriff’s office, search efforts continued through Friday, May 29, with deputies and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) agent using personal watercraft, sonar and divers to search “an expanding area” near where the man was last seen.
A canine from Spokane, trained to detect human remains, was deployed to the scene. Also, authorities used equipment to “drag the river bottom” in the search effort.
The sheriff’s office says, “The male has not been located; no signs of the male have been located.”
According to authorities, river conditions have “deteriorated” throughout the day, partly due to rainfall from the night before. The water level rose, and the current has increased, hampering search efforts.
“The active river flow increases the likelihood that the male has not remained near the location last seen,” reports the sheriff’s office. Additionally, the press release says the identity of the male “is not confirmed” and will not be released before the family has been notified.
TMZ asserts the sheriff’s office began their investigation after receiving a 911 call reporting seeing a man sitting in the shallow water of the river before he was allegedly swept away by the current. The outlet was informed that search efforts will resume when weather conditions improve.
Matt’s brother Bear shared a video on TikTok saying he was informed: “late last night that Matt took his own life.” Bear says the witnesses contacted authorities and “so far, they haven’t been able to find any body.” He added that authorities were continuing their search. “I can’t confirm it 100%, but it looks like it is.”
Brown Troubled?
On May 10, Matt Brown drew attention for his livestream that prompted viewer concern. In the video, Brown says he spent the night sleeping in a cemetery because he did not feel safe anywhere else.
Previously, Brown has publicly spoken about his personal struggle with alcohol addiction. In 2019, he stepped away from “Alaskan Bush People” to get treatment.
Matt is the oldest son of the late Billy and Ami Brown. He starred on the reality series televised on the Discovery Channel between 2014 and 2022.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just need to talk, please call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org 24/7/
Sources:
TV Insider: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown Is Likely Dead After Being Spotted in River
People.com: Search for Man Believed to be ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Marr Brown Suspended
USA Today: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ star Marr Brown feared dead, family says
Featured Image Courtesy of JLS Photography – Alaska’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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