Private Search Party Discovers Remains; Family Confirms Identity
The body of Matt Brown, a figure known from the reality television series 'Alaskan Bush People,' was found on Saturday in the Okanogan River, Washington. The discovery was made by a group of private citizens conducting a search. Brown's brothers, Bear and Noah Brown, have publicly confirmed his death and identified his remains.
The recovery followed a search initiated on May 27 after a 911 caller reported speaking with a man in shallow water along the river. A firearm was also reportedly recovered from the water near where Brown was last seen.
Search Amidst Difficult Conditions
The private search party, led by Chay Wilkerson Moore, located Brown's body a few miles south of his last known location. Kayakers reportedly spotted his distinctive brown jacket in the fast-moving, murky water. Moore indicated that his younger brother, Noah Brown, was among those present who identified the body. Rescuers reportedly exercised caution during the recovery due to the conditions.
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Search crews faced significant challenges due to rising river levels and strong currents, a result of recent rainfall and snowmelt.
Family Acknowledges Struggles
Bear Brown, Matt Brown's brother, alluded to his sibling's ongoing struggles in a social media video. Family sources, according to initial reports, indicated that most of the family had ceased financial support for Matt several years ago, citing persistent addiction issues.
Noah Brown shared that he was present when his brother's body was pulled from the river and subsequently identified him. He also posted a message on social media urging viewers to consider the real impact of online comments.
Official Process Underway
The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office stated that the coroner will determine the official cause and manner of death. The sheriff's office extended condolences to the Brown family. Authorities had initially withheld the victim's name until next of kin were formally notified, despite public statements from family members.
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Matt Brown, who appeared in approximately 80 episodes of 'Alaskan Bush People,' was 43 years old. The Okanogan County coroner's office has custody of the remains.
