What Happened To Matt Brown? The Truth Behind His Alaskan Bush People Exit

Matt Brown’s life took an unexpected turn. The former star of Alaskan Bush People went from entertaining millions of TV viewers to living quietly in a town of just 101 residents. His disappearance has become one of reality TV’s biggest mysteries since his last appearance in 2019.

The show captivated audiences when it premiered in 2014. Viewers were drawn to the Brown family’s self-reliant lifestyle in the Alaskan wilderness. Matt now calls Loomis, Washington home and stays connected with his fans through social media. He has built a strong following with over 200,000 Instagram followers and 30,000 YouTube subscribers. His trip wasn’t easy though. He faced substance abuse problems, went through rehabilitation, and dealt with serious allegations that ended up forcing him to leave the show.

This piece tells Matt Brown’s complete story. It covers everything from his early days in Alaska to his current life away from the cameras and looks at what led to his exit from one of TV’s most popular family reality shows.

Matt Brown’s Early Life In Alaska

Matthew Jeremiah Brown was born on September 7, 1982, in Fort Worth, Texas. His life changed forever when his family moved to the wild frontiers of southern Alaska. They found their first home in a trapper shack on a remote island in the Alaska panhandle. The family lived completely cut off from civilization for almost 18 months.

Growing Up In The Wilderness

The Alaskan bush became Matt’s classroom, and he learned life’s lessons through real experiences instead of traditional schooling. His childhood playground stretched across vast wilderness areas where he became skilled at survival basics like hunting, fishing, and building shelters.

The family’s first winter tested their limits. All the same, this time became a turning point as Billy, Matt’s father, later said, “The good Lord just made us slow down. After we realized we weren’t going to die, we fell in love with everything”. The Browns later built their permanent home in a place they named Brown Town, just 20 minutes by boat from the closest settlement.

Life was basic and simple. The family started in a one-room cabin that housed everyone before adding a two-story building. Matt and his brothers eventually moved to their own spaces while their sisters stayed with their parents. They lived completely off-grid without modern comforts like running water or electricity.

Role As The Eldest Brown Sibling

Matt’s position as the oldest of seven children came with big responsibilities. His siblings included Joshua (Bam Bam), Solomon (Bear), Gabe, and Noah, and sisters Amora (Snowbird) and Merry (Rain). Being the eldest naturally made him a leader among his siblings. This role helped him develop strong problem-solving skills and a deep sense of responsibility.

The family’s isolation created an incredible bond between them. Every child helped ensure their survival under their parents’ guidance. Billy taught his children a strong work ethic early on, while Ami handled their homeschooling. This unusual upbringing created special family dynamics with tight bonds and mutual dependence.

The Browns lived so far from civilization that they would go months without seeing anyone else. They even developed their own accent and called themselves a “wolf pack”. Matt’s character was deeply shaped by these wilderness years. He developed resilience and resourcefulness that proved both helpful and challenging in his adult life.

Their challenging lifestyle matched their family’s beliefs about freedom and self-reliance. Ami remembered their early Alaska days as their “first taste of the wonder of freedom and the true value of family”. These experiences shaped Matt’s view of the world and how he handled life’s challenges. They became the foundation that would influence his future path both on and off television.

Rise To Fame On Alaskan Bush People

The Discovery Channel aired “Alaskan Bush People” in May 2014 after a producer found Billy Brown’s self-published biographies. Viewers quickly fell in love with the show’s basic contours – a family living off the grid in Alaska’s wilderness.

First appearances On The Show

The Browns built homes, hunted food, and faced the daily challenges of their isolated lifestyle in the series. Matt and his family showed their survival skills and unique way of life. Some viewers debated the authenticity of certain scenes in the series.

The Brown family created their own identity on screen. They spoke with a unique accent and called themselves the “wolf pack”. Matt’s charismatic personality and quirky nature made him different from his siblings in the early seasons.

Matt had a hidden talent that made him special – juggling. He learned this skill at age eight by watching a magician on a VHS tape. His practice items ranged from potatoes to oranges as he got better over time. This unexpected ability added to his charm as a cast member.

Fan favorite Moments

Season 2’s “tire house” project stands out as one of Matt’s best contributions to the show. Viewers loved this creative dwelling made entirely from used tires. His younger brother Gabe helped with advice during the build.

Matt’s outdoor skills, which he developed early in life, became a show highlight. He turned into a skilled hunter and fisherman by the age ten. Audiences connected with his practical knowledge and resourceful nature despite his family’s unusual lifestyle.

The Browns expanded to digital platforms as their popularity grew. Their YouTube channel featured behind-the-scenes footage and survival tips. Social media became a vital way to connect with fans through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Dedicated viewers created active online communities. They shared reactions, and theories and discussed favorite moments with hashtags during episodes. Fan groups popped up everywhere, sharing artwork and bonding over the Browns’ unique way of life.

Matt stayed with the show through season 8 before personal challenges reduced his role. Loyal viewers who had watched him from day one paid close attention to his final appearances. His fans kept supporting him on social media even after he left, showing his lasting influence.

“Alaskan Bush People” became more than just a TV show. It drew viewers with its mix of wilderness survival and family relationships. Matt’s eight-season run helped make the series a reality TV staple. His genuine personality and memorable moments substantially boosted the show’s appeal in its early years.

Signs Of Trouble Begin

Matt Brown’s rising television career masked personal demons that lurked beneath the surface. His battle with substance abuse started after the family’s boat broke down near Juneau, Alaska. This unexpected event changed the course of his life.

Original Substance Abuse Struggles

Matt found himself exposed to a different crowd during his extended stay in Juneau. “I started hanging out with people who drank. They didn’t have a problem with it so while I was around them, I started drinking”. His casual drinking soon turned into a dangerous pattern.

The changes in Matt’s behavior became clear quickly. “I started drinking lightly and then it got to be more and more,” he admitted. His zest for life faded as alcohol tightened its grip. “I was more withdrawn. I was slower. Things didn’t excite me the way they used to”.

His mother Ami’s advanced lung cancer battle and the family’s constant moves added pressure to Matt’s fragile state. These circumstances made his addiction worse and pushed him toward a life-changing decision.

First Rehab Stint In 2016

Matt took a brave step to get professional help in 2016. “That’s when I saw the problem around the corner, and I didn’t want to be one of those guys”. His decision to enter rehabilitation became a vital moment for himself and the show.

The Browns rallied behind Matt’s choice to seek treatment. His mother Ami showed steadfast dedication despite her own cancer battle: “He was so strong for me, and I want to be strong for him”. His father Billy gave an explanation of their difficult choice, stating, “We’d rather lose him from home for a little while than lose him forever”.

The Betty Ford Center became Matt’s turning point. The program helped him learn about addiction recovery and develop tools to stay sober. His honest approach to sharing his story struck a chord with others facing similar battles.

Matt saw both success and setbacks after his first rehab stay. He openly shared recovery techniques that worked best for him. His candid discussions about these personal battles resonated with many viewers who faced similar struggles.

The road to recovery proved more complex than predicted. Despite making progress, Matt’s internal battles continued. During one episode of ‘Alaskan Bush People,’ he openly admitted that he “had a problem with alcoholism” and worried about “slipping” again.

These early substance abuse issues hinted at bigger challenges ahead. Matt’s 2016 rehabilitation stay marked a vital step toward recovery, but more battles with addiction lay ahead. His story would reshape both his personal life and his place within the Brown family.

The Explosive Incident

A life-threatening accident in 2017 became a turning point in Matt Brown’s experience on Alaskan Bush People. The event took place at the family’s rural Alaskan homestead, Browntown. An unexpected explosion rocked both the production team and Brown family.

Details Of The Head Injury

The accident happened about two months after the Brown family moved to Southern California. They had gone there to support Ami during her lung cancer treatment. Matt stayed behind at Browntown by himself, where bears became a growing problem in his family’s absence.

The growing wildlife threat led Matt to try making a homemade bear deterrent with black powder. This choice almost cost him his life when the device blew up unexpectedly. The explosion happened after the production crew left for the day. They rushed back as soon as they heard about the accident.

The crew found Matt with severe bleeding from his head wound when they arrived. The first medical check showed he might have a fractured skull. Doctors worried about possible brain trauma from blood loss and swelling. The paramedics knew they had to evacuate him right away to save his life.

Matt kept his sense of humor despite the serious situation. He asked the paramedics, “I lost a little bit of blood, didn’t I?”. His condition was so severe that he needed an airlift to a hospital in Juneau. The medical team admitted him to intensive care right away.

Impact On filming

The accident took a toll on Matt’s health and disrupted the show’s production schedule. After his treatment in Juneau, he went to Southern California. There, he told his brother Bam about his injuries – doctors had put nine staples in his scalp.

Matt remembered the accident clearly during his recovery. “I remember bits and flashes like right afterwards grabbing a towel and the tape. I remember taping it to my face as blood ran down my face”. This scary experience made him face his reckless behavior. He told his brother that his carelessness almost killed him.

The explosion showed just how dangerous the bush could be. Matt later said, “The bush’s rule one, the moment you take your mind off everything, is the one that it gets — and it got me”. His brother Bam saw it differently and focused on the positive: “It didn’t get you. It almost got you. You survived and that’s the important part”.

This event radically altered Matt’s role in the show. His mother’s illness, time alone in Browntown, and this near-death experience created the perfect storm. These factors played a big part in his later exit from the series. The accident showed both the physical risks of their lifestyle and how isolation can affect someone’s mind, hinting at the challenges ahead for the oldest Brown sibling.

Breaking Point And Show Exit

Matt Brown’s experience on Alaskan Bush People hit rock bottom in September 2018. The eldest Brown sibling faced mounting pressures that ended up forcing him to leave the hit Discovery Channel show.

Second Rehab Visit

Matt’s substance abuse problems grew worse in late 2018. His parents, Billy and Ami, gave him a clear choice – get treatment or lose both his show contract and family support. Matt knew what was at stake and decided to go back to rehabilitation.

Matt opened up to PEOPLE magazine about his situation. “I struggle with substance abuse, and after a year of ups and downs, I decided to return to treatment”. His father Billy supported the choice. “It was his decision to drop everything and go fix what he hadn’t fixed”.

Matt’s treatment path changed his life. He completed a detailed program that combined inpatient and outpatient care over six months. He chose the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs and quietly started his treatment after New Year’s in 2019.

Matt showed strong dedication to his recovery through several steps:

• He went to regular recovery meetings
• He worked with a sober coach
• He took part in therapy and counseling
• He learned to spot warning signs of relapse

Final Departure From Filming

Several things led to Matt leaving “Alaskan Bush People.” His relationship with his father got worse and sources say they had a “nasty brawl”. This fight and his recovery process made him decide to leave the show.

The Brown family moved to Washington state in 2018, but Matt took a different path. He stayed committed to his treatment program instead of joining the family move. He never returned to the show as he put his health and sobriety first.

Matt’s exit became more complex when he made serious claims about his time on set. He said the production team played a part in his substance abuse issues and questioned how real some parts of the show were. His mother Ami stood by him and hoped he would “find that happiness inside him again”. His father shared similar feelings: “We miss him terribly, but we’d rather lose him from home for a little while than lose him forever”.

Matt’s departure changed both the show and the Brown family forever. The show’s ninth season included his rehabilitation story, showing viewers the real-life struggles of the eldest Brown sibling. His exit from “Alaskan Bush People” was a vital step toward getting his life back and staying sober.

Finishing his treatment at the Betty Ford Center in 2019 was a big milestone. Matt came out focused on recovery and now shares updates about his sobriety on social media. His story shows how recovery never really ends and why personal health matters more than being on TV.

Serious Allegations Surface

Matt Brown faced serious allegations in 2018 that cast a dark shadow over his already troubled life. Two women who worked on “Alaskan Bush People” came forward with disturbing accusations that changed his relationship with the show and his family forever.

2018 Assault Claims

Jessica Jurges, 35, a former personal assistant to the Brown family, spoke up about an incident at a pool in Canoga Park, Los Angeles. The alleged assault took place on July 8, 2018, when Jurges fought back against unwanted advances.

The situation got worse until Shelly Dawn, Matt’s manager then, stepped in to help Jurges escape. “I was disgusted… I said everything nasty I could to him, to get him off me and it wasn’t happening,” Jurges said about her traumatic experience.

Just three days later, Shelly Dawn became a victim herself. She reported that Matt allegedly assaulted her at the same location. Dawn was especially vulnerable after her recent hip replacement surgery. “He knew that I had a hip replacement and he knew that my legs aren’t as strong as the rest of my body and that’s how it happened,” she explained.

Both victims quickly reported their experiences to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division. Text messages from that time showed Matt’s brothers knew about the situation. Bear Brown sent a message to Jurges saying “I tried to warn you! If I knew he was that bad though! I’d have killed him”.

Legal Consequences

Discovery Channel released a formal statement: “Discovery Channel was approached several years ago regarding the allegations, finding them disturbing and very serious”. The network stressed that law enforcement should handle such matters.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division investigated both cases thoroughly. They sent the cases to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. The District Attorney ended up deciding not to pursue prosecution in either case.

These allegations came during Matt’s second rehabilitation stay as he struggled with substance abuse. These events led to the end of his involvement with “The Alaskan Bush People.” His brothers Bear and Gabe pulled away after talking with the victims.

The allegations changed Matt’s family relationships completely. His brothers warned others to stay away from him. Gabe’s message made this clear: “I’m so sorry I mean this with all my heart stay away from Matt”. This family split and the serious allegations led to Matt’s permanent exit from the show.

Discovery Channel stayed neutral throughout this difficult time. They acknowledged how serious the situation was while letting legal authorities handle it. These events marked the end of Matt’s TV career and led to his complete separation from the show and most of his family.

Life After Leaving The Show

Matt Brown’s life today looks nothing like his reality TV days. He found peace in Loomis, Washington, a tiny town with just 101 residents. This small community gives him the quiet space he needs as he continues his recovery.

Moving To Washington

Matt chose a different path from his family after leaving “Alaskan Bush People.” The rest of the Browns settled at North Star Ranch in Washington, but Matt made Loomis his home. This choice helped him stay away from the spotlight and gave him room to grow.

Life changed dramatically from his TV wilderness days. Matt adapted well to his new community life, though he still keeps his bush spirit alive through outdoor activities.

Focus On Recovery

Matt stays steadfast in his commitment to sobriety. The Betty Ford Center changed his life when he finished their complete 90-day program in 2019. He shares his recovery story on social media to inspire others who face the same struggles.

His recovery plan includes:

• Support group meetings
• Regular therapy
• Healthy ways to cope
• Strong connections with his online community

He keeps his social media followers updated about his recovery process. Matt talks openly about his wins and setbacks, which appeals to many followers who support him through his journey.

Farmwork And Simple Living

Matt earns his living working on a farm. This job connects him to the land and lets him stay independent.

He spends his free time exploring the wilderness and hiking Chopaka Mountain. These solo trips help him stay healthy in body and mind.

Matt chose this simple, stable life carefully. His social media posts show snippets of his daily life, from farm work to wilderness adventures. More than 200,000 followers keep up with his story on Instagram, where he shares updates about his life.

Art became a new passion in this chapter of his life. He shares his artwork on social media, using creativity as another way to heal and express himself.

Though he lives in the same town as his family, Matt keeps to himself. He rarely runs into his siblings or mother during his trips to town. This distance, while tough, helps him focus on growing and staying healthy.

Matt’s social media updates show his strength and hope for the future. He works hard to stay physically and mentally healthy, making sure he doesn’t fall back into old habits. His dedication to wellness and simple farm life shows just how far he’s come since his TV days.

Current Relationship With Family

Matt Brown’s family relationships have changed drastically over the last several years. His once-close connection with siblings has broken down. This presents a stark contrast to the tight-knit “wolf pack” image shown on television.

Distance From Siblings

Noah, Gabe, Rain, and Snowbird Brown do not speak to their older brother at all. Their silence tells a story, especially with their previous close bonds. Rain posted family photos on Instagram during World Sibling Day. She tagged Bear, Noah, Gabe, Snowbird, and Josh but left Matt out of the tribute.

Bear Brown kept his response diplomatic yet distant when asked about Matt. He simply wished him “all the best” and hoped his brother finds “what he’s looking for in life”. The family’s social media posts show this growing gap. Matt’s siblings leave him out of family celebrations and updates.

Matt claims private investigators tracked his movements. He noticed “the same people in different places” and grew worried about being watched. When he brought these concerns to his family, Matt says they tried to “make me think I was crazy”.

A troubling revelation came when Matt shared that one of his brothers spoke to him in a “triggering way.” This unnamed sibling suggested Matt “deserves to be stolen from because I am an alcoholic”.

Last Contact With Parents

Matt’s relationship with his parents became tense before Billy Brown passed away. His mother Ami struggled with paperwork issues related to company transfers. Matt says when he asked for $100 to buy food, Ami told him she couldn’t help.

Money disputes caused problems with his parents. Matt claimed his late father Billy kept all the money from the Discovery reality-documentary series. This created deep resentment, and Matt stated, “They took what I had worked so hard for”.

His sisters rejected his attempts to make peace. When he tried to reconnect, they showed disgust. One sister actively worked on “tearing things down”. Being pushed away by so many family members left him feeling alone.

The family keeps their public statements careful but distant. They say “Family’s here no matter what”, but their actions paint a different picture. Matt lives in the same Washington town as his family, yet they rarely see each other.

The Brown family’s way of talking to each other has changed as they deal with distance and different life goals. Matt uses social media to share his side, saying “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”.

The show’s filming added to family tensions. Matt expressed mixed feelings: “I loved filming the show, but I didn’t like lying about the way I live and the way things are in life”. His honesty about the show’s reality seemed to push his family further away.

Matt Brown Alaskan Bush People– Journey

Matt Brown’s story is proof of fame’s challenges and the impact of personal transformation. He left “Alaskan Bush People” while facing serious allegations and battling substance abuse. His experience since then shows a man determined to rebuild his life independently.

The eldest Brown sibling lives a drastically different life now. He works quietly on a farm in Loomis, Washington, and stays committed to his sobriety. This simple lifestyle stands in sharp contrast to his former reality TV persona. His strained family relationships, though difficult, have given him room to heal and grow personally.

Matt’s path from bush life to TV fame ended up leading to a simple, sober lifestyle that shows how unpredictable personal development can be. His social media updates reveal a person who has discovered peace away from the spotlight and chosen authenticity over fame. Matt stays connected with his followers by openly sharing his recovery and personal challenges, and his story of resilience and redemption gives hope to many. For more updates, follow TV Seasons and Spoilers.

FAQs

What’s Matt Brown Doing Now?

As of 2025, Matt Brown is focused on sobriety and personal growth. He shares updates on social media, offering insights into his life and recovery journey.

Where Did Matt Brown Go?

After leaving Alaskan Bush People, Matt moved to California, distancing himself from the show and family while working on his recovery.

Is Matt Brown Still in the UFC?

No. The Matt Brown from Alaskan Bush People is not related to UFC. There is a UFC fighter named Matt Brown, but they are different people.

In What Episode Does Matt Brown Get Hurt?

Matt suffered a head injury from an explosion in Alaskan Bush People Season 7, Episode 5 (“Weight of the Wolfpack”), aired on July 19, 2017.

Is Matt Brown Married?

As of 2025, Matt has not revealed any details about his relationship status. He keeps his personal life private.