Alaskan Bush People star Bear Brown has shared what he described as “really bad news” on TikTok, telling fans that his older brother and co-star Matt Brown is believed to have died by suicide, though he stressed that the information has not been officially confirmed.

In a tearful video posted on Friday, Bear told viewers he could not verify the reports with certainty, but said it was what he had been told. He explained that witnesses reportedly saw Matt near or in a river shortly before what they believe was a suicide, and claimed that people later saw a body floating downstream.

Bear added that authorities have been searching the area but have not yet recovered a body. He said investigators are still working at the scene as uncertainty remains over what exactly happened.

He also spoke openly about his brother’s long-term struggles, saying Matt had been dealing with alcohol and drug addiction for years and had become estranged from parts of the family. Bear recalled their last interaction, saying he ran into Matt at a Walmart before leaving for Florida, where they briefly spoke. He said Matt later called him admitting he had “fallen off the wagon,” and Bear encouraged him to seek rehab and keep fighting.

According to Bear, Matt had also been going through a difficult breakup with a woman he deeply cared about, though he did not believe at the time that his brother was suicidal.

Bear urged viewers not to direct anger toward their mother, Ami Brown, saying she has always cared deeply for Matt and has already been through a lot. He asked fans to remain respectful of the family during the difficult situation.

In a follow-up video, Bear pushed back against what he called “negative, nasty” comments online and warned that social media posts appearing under Matt’s name were not authentic. He also reiterated that, based on what witnesses reported, he believes there is a “99 percent” chance the person seen near the river was his brother.

Authorities have not yet confirmed Matt Brown’s status, and the search and investigation remain ongoing.

Source: tvinsider