Heartbreaking news😭!!! Alaskan Bush People: This is what happened to Matt Brown after taking a path far removed from reality TV fame. Tragedy after tragedy.

Once a familiar face in Discovery’s Alaskan Bush People, Matt Brown’s journey has taken a path far removed from reality TV fame.

The eldest son of the Brown clan, Matt was part of the show’s early narrative when it debuted in 2014. But after five years on screen, he walked away from both the spotlight and the family that helped build the hit series.

The circumstances surrounding his exit — and what he’s been doing since — paint a picture of personal reckoning, survival, and an ongoing search for peace.

Why Matt Brown Left the Show

Viewers who followed the show witnessed Matt’s public struggle with addiction. His battle with alcohol became a defining part of his off-camera life and ultimately led to multiple stints in rehab. The turning point came in 2016 when he entered treatment, but the road to recovery wasn’t linear.

As his family transitioned from Alaska to Washington in 2018, Matt chose to remain in California, focusing on his sobriety. This decision marked the beginning of his withdrawal from the show — and his family.

Then, in April 2021, Matt came forward with revelations that took many by surprise. In a vulnerable Instagram video, he alleged that the show had played a role in the deterioration of his mental health.

“Everybody’s told me that other people’s secrets aren’t mine to tell, but they’re destroying me, and they’ve been destroying me for a long time,” he shared. “I’m cold, and I don’t have any money. And I hardly have anything to eat.”

He went on to claim that not only did the production provide drugs to his family, but that he personally never saw any of the show’s earnings.

“We made a lot of money off the show, and because my dad controlled everything, all the money went to him,” Matt said. “I didn’t have any money or anything. My dad kept that all.”

These statements cast a shadow over the legacy of Alaskan Bush People, raising questions about what happened behind the scenes during the show’s peak.

Allegations and the Silence That Followed

Complicating his public image further were serious allegations made against him in 2018. Two women accused Matt of rape, claiming the incidents occurred just days apart while he was heavily intoxicated.

In a 2020 interview with The Sun, both women detailed their experiences, which were later reported to the LAPD and passed on to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. According to The Sun, the D.A. chose not to prosecute.

Discovery Channel addressed the matter in a statement, saying, “Discovery Channel was approached several years ago regarding the allegations, finding them disturbing and very serious.

We agreed the local authorities should be contacted immediately. Due to the nature of the accusations we felt that all cooperation would be most appropriately handled by law enforcement.”

Matt has never publicly responded to these allegations.

A New Chapter: Life in the Wilderness

Since stepping away from the show, Matt has retreated to a more grounded lifestyle. He now resides in the North Cascade mountains near his family’s old North Ranch property.

On his YouTube channel, launched in 2019, Matt shares glimpses into his rustic life: setting up traps, exploring the wilderness with his walking stick, and offering survival tips reminiscent of his days on TV.

Some videos also show him camping in isolation, sleeping under the stars, and quietly embracing the solitude of nature. “Restful and chilly but isolated. Camping at its finest,” one viewer commented.

Others have offered words of support and admiration. “You my friend are the only true Brown!!! I love watching your content! Take care of my friend,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Hey Matt my name is Terrie I’ve been watching you and your adventures for over a year now I really enjoyed watching them keep it up.”

He’s also opened up about the emotional and physical toll of rebuilding his life. In May 2025, he shared with fans: “I’ve had to really sacrifice to get through and all the little things fall by the wayside when we do that. For me, this is confirmation if we slowly, diligently work toward success we will get there. I’m not saying I’m successful yet, by any means. However, I’m having my little victories.”

Matt now splits his time between making vlogs and working at an orchard. In one video posted just before Alaskan Bush People’s season 14 premiere, he gave fans a glimpse of his job — watering plants and quietly reflecting on his progress.

Where Does He Stand With His Family?

Despite living relatively close to his family’s former property, Matt remains estranged from his mother and siblings. In 2021, his brother Bear Brown touched on their fractured relationship, saying, “Matt’s been doing his own thing. I don’t really see him much these days. I hope that he finds the peace and serenity in his life that he’s looking for though.”

When fans asked Bear if Matt might return for a future season, he responded sharply, suggesting that Matt had distanced himself from the family by choice: “Why take his word over the whole family? It makes no sense!”

Is ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Coming Back?

Although the show hasn’t aired a new episode in years, it hasn’t officially been canceled. Bear Brown addressed rumors in March 2025, stating, “The official term for the show is that it is on hiatus.” He added, “Alaskan Bush People is not canceled,” though he admitted that no filming was happening at the time.

Meanwhile, other members of the Brown family have been making their own moves — Noah recently separated from his wife Rhain, who relocated back to Alaska without their kids, while Bear continues to engage with fans online.