Bear Brown of “Alaskan Bush People” has shared a distressed TikTok message saying he believes his older brother, Matt Brown, may be dead, though he stressed he could not confirm the reports himself. Bear said he had been told Matt “took his own life” and claimed there were witness accounts placing him near the Okanogan River in Washington, where police have been searching after a 911 call about a man seen in the water.
According to Bear, the situation appears to involve a man who was first seen sitting in shallow water, then drifting face down in the current. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said the search remains ongoing and noted that high runoff water, strong current, debris, and poor visibility have made the conditions dangerous. The agency also said a gun was recovered near the area where the man was last seen, but the person’s identity has not been officially confirmed.
In his emotional video, Bear said Matt had struggled for a long time with alcohol and drugs, but insisted the family did not reject him. He said Matt had chosen to distance himself from the family and that their contact had been limited. Bear described a recent encounter with Matt at a Walmart and said Matt later called to admit he had relapsed. Bear said he urged his brother to get back into treatment and sobriety support.
Bear also said Matt was dealing with a difficult breakup and suggested that emotional stress may have been involved. He repeatedly said he never expected his brother to take his own life. Fighting tears, Bear asked viewers to be respectful and not blame their mother, Ami Brown, saying she has always cared deeply for Matt and has been through a great deal.
The concern came shortly after a message appeared on Matt Brown’s Facebook account. The post, which may have been scheduled in advance, spoke in reflective terms about struggling through sadness, finding hope, and continuing to move forward despite hardship. The timing of the message added to public concern about Matt’s condition.
This development follows a troubling livestream uploaded to YouTube last week, in which Matt appeared nude and possibly intoxicated or under the influence while rambling and carrying what looked like a gun. The incident had already raised alarms among viewers.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed the identity of the man reported in the river, and the sheriff’s office has not released further details. Bear Brown’s statement reflects family concern and reports from witnesses, but the official search and identification process remains unresolved. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
