Alaskan Bush People alum Matt Brown estranged from family after repeated efforts to get him help, brother says
Bear Brown of “Alaskan Bush People” has addressed growing speculation about his brother Matt Brown after reports tied to Matt’s apparent disappearance and a disturbing livestream. In a TikTok video posted Friday, Bear pushed back on claims that the Brown family abandoned Matt, saying that “the family didn’t and never turned their back on” him. He said the family had tried repeatedly to help Matt over the years, including supporting him through rehab multiple times, and that the effort had taken “a lot of trouble,” “a lot of hassle” and “a lot of money.”
Bear said the family chose not to publicize everything that happened behind the scenes. He also alleged that Matt had done “a lot of bad things” that the public does not know about, adding that now was not the time to go into details. According to Bear, Matt gradually distanced himself from the family despite their attempts to stay connected and support him. He said some relatives stopped speaking with Matt for personal reasons, but stressed that he had remained in contact with his brother.
The update came one day after Bear told followers he had been informed that Matt may have died by suicide. At that point, Bear said he could not confirm the claim, but relayed that Matt had allegedly been seen near a river and later floating downstream. He said police had been searching for a body after being called to the scene. In his Friday follow-up, Bear said he was now “99 percent” sure the body observed belonged to Matt, though he emphasized that the body had not been recovered and the investigation was still ongoing.
Bear said he had spoken with multiple people, including locals, eyewitnesses and the coroner, and that the description of the person seen matched Matt “to a T.” Even so, he said he continued to hope there might be a miracle and that the reports would prove untrue.
Matt Brown, the eldest of the Brown siblings, had last been seen about a week earlier during a nude livestream that appeared to show him under the influence. During the broadcast, he rambled and appeared to be carrying what looked like a gun. The livestream added to concern among fans and observers as news of his disappearance spread.
The situation remains unresolved, and no official confirmation of Matt Brown’s death has been made public. Bear’s comments have drawn attention to the family’s efforts to help Matt, their strained relationship over time, and the uncertainty surrounding his current status. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health issues, help is available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
