The search for a man, who is believed to be Matt Brown from Alaskan Bush People, has been suspended by authorities.
“Efforts to locate the male reportedly deceased in the Okanogan River were carried out until Friday, 5/29/2026,” Sheriff Jodie Barcus stated in an updated press release issued through the Okanogan County Sheriff’s official Facebook page on Saturday, May 30. “Deputies and agents from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife utilized boats, personal watercraft, sonar, and divers to search a growing area near the last known location of the male.”
The press release added, “A canine from Spokane, trained to detect human remains, was deployed, and equipment was used to drag the riverbed. The male has not been found; no evidence of him has been discovered.”
Authorities noted that worsening weather conditions hindered search efforts, leading to their suspension until further notice.
The press release further mentioned, “During the search, worsening river conditions impeded efforts. Rainfall from the previous night increased river levels and current speed, making it more likely the male did not stay near the last seen location.”
Authorities also noted, “The search has been halted due to hazardous river conditions and pending further information to direct search efforts.”
@bearthekingofextreme Really bad news about Matt #bearthekingofextreme #alaskanbushpeople #thelifeofbear #fyp
Family members of Matt Brown are concerned he might be the man who drowned in the river, according to his brother, Bear Brown. Bear took to TikTok on Thursday, May 29, to discuss claims from several unidentified witnesses who reported seeing Matt, 49, floating in the river.
“I have some really bad news about Matt that I wanted to share with you all guys,” Bear said in the social media post. “But I wanted to start out by saying that I can’t confirm that it’s 100 percent true right now, but it is what I’m hearing.”
Bear also asserted that his brother had been “struggling for a long time” with issues related to “alcohol and with drugs and stuff.”
“He has other issues and stuff, too,” Bear added. “He has done a lot of stuff that people, like, don’t even know about.”
Bear Brown criticized individuals leaving disrespectful comments about his brother Matt amidst the family’s concerns for his well-being. “First off, I’m not just making a video on rumors. It’s a very, very, very, very small chance it’s not him. It’s like 99 percent him,” Bear, 38, said regarding the family’s worry for Matt, 43, in […]
TMZ first reported that the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Wednesday, May 27, about a man sitting in the shallow waters of the Okanogan River in Washington state. The anonymous caller looked away, and upon turning back due to a noise, saw the man face down in the river, swept away by the current.
On Saturday, authorities reiterated that “the identity of the male is not confirmed” and will not be publicly disclosed until the next of kin is notified.
“The family is uncertain about what to believe at the moment. They are unsure of Matt’s whereabouts but hope that he is okay and that the information is incorrect,” a source close to the family told Us Weekly on Friday, May 29. “They are all communicating, speaking with the police, and waiting for updates. They have had their issues [with Matt], and Gabe has been the most in contact with him.”
