The ashes of Matthew Brown, a star of the reality television series Alaskan Bush People, were cremated nearly two months after his death, officials confirmed.

The Okanogan County coroner's office confirmed to The Daily Mail on June 3 that Brown died by suicide. His primary cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound to the head. Contributing circumstances included subsequent immersion in water and the influence of methamphetamine. Brown was 42 years old.

Witnesses reported seeing Brown in a river in Okanogan County, Washington, prior to his death. His body was recovered from the water by his brother Noah on May 30. The Okanogan County Crematory in Okanogan, Washington, received his ashes on June 24.

Bear Brown, another sibling, had previously suggested his brother died by suicide, noting a wound that appeared self-inflicted.

Noah Brown described the search for his brother, stating that multiple search teams were involved. A local team located Brown's body around 3:27 p.m. on May 30. Noah stated that the search team transported his brother's body to shore via a skiff before authorities arrived. He later identified the body for the coroner. A firearm was recovered from the water near where the man was last seen.

In a memorial statement, the family described Matt Brown as intelligent, curious, creative, and fascinated by the world. They noted his skills as an outdoorsman, fisherman, boatman, and artist. His intellectual pursuits included teaching himself sign language, studying hieroglyphs and Sanskrit, and learning conversational Spanish. The family also highlighted his struggles with addiction and mental health, and his efforts to encourage others to seek help.

Bear Brown shared that Matt had battled serious mental health challenges and addiction for many years, and that the family experienced periods of hope, recovery, setbacks, and reconciliation. He emphasized that their father, Billy Brown, never lost faith in Matt's ability to heal.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office had begun investigating on May 27 after a 911 caller reported speaking to a male sitting in shallow water in the Okanogan River. The caller then saw the man face down and drifting away in the current. Search efforts involving law enforcement, fire, EMS, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, watercraft, divers, and a drone were conducted.

The family stated, "Matt's life was not without mistakes, struggles, and painful chapters. Some of those chapters caused hurt, and we do not minimize that. At the same time, we do not believe any person’s life should be defined solely by their lowest moments." They remembered him as someone who loved the wilderness, could navigate rough waters, draw for hours, and dream big.

For confidential support in the US, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, or online at 988lifeline.org.