The search for former Alaskan Bush People cast member Matt Brown has been suspended due to severe weather conditions, according to his brother Bear Brown, who says the family is increasingly worried that the missing reality TV star may not be found alive.
In a video shared on TikTok on Friday, May 29, Bear revealed that authorities were forced to halt search efforts due to a powerful storm moving through the area. “There’s a really, really bad storm going on right now,” Bear said. “They had to call off the search because of the super bad storm.” He added that the pause is temporary but acknowledged that worsening conditions have complicated efforts to locate his brother.
The update marks another painful chapter for the Brown family, whose lives became known to millions through the Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People.
Matt, the eldest son of Billy and Ami Brown, was a central figure during the show's early seasons before stepping away from the series. The reality show followed the family's off-grid lifestyle and ran for 14 seasons before ending in 2022.
Bear's latest comments come one day after he publicly shared fears that Matt may have died. While emphasizing that he could not independently verify reports, Bear said he had been told witnesses saw Matt near a river before an apparent tragedy unfolded.
In his latest update, he said there remains “a very, very, very small chance” the reports are incorrect. “I’m praying it’s not him, but it looks like it is,” he told followers.
Bear also pushed back against claims that the Brown family abandoned Matt during his struggles with addiction. “The family didn’t and never turned their back on Matt,” he said, explaining that his brother had distanced himself from relatives over the years.
Bear acknowledged that Matt had battled alcohol and substance abuse issues but declined to discuss specific family conflicts, saying now was not the time.
Concern about Matt's well-being intensified earlier this week after reports emerged that an unidentified man had been swept away in the Okanogan River near Oroville, Washington.
Authorities previously confirmed that emergency responders searched the area after a witness reported seeing a man in shallow water before the man was carried downstream by the current. A body has not been recovered, and officials have indicated that search operations will resume once weather conditions improve.
Adding to the confusion, Bear also addressed rumors that Matt had recently posted on social media following news of his disappearance. According to Bear, those accounts are fraudulent.
He stated that Matt's only official online presence is his YouTube channel and warned followers that profiles appearing on Facebook, TikTok, or other platforms are impersonators attempting to exploit the situation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with addiction, or having thoughts of self-harm, support is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
