The Okanogan County coroner’s office said an autopsy of “Alaskan Bush People” star Matt Brown revealed he had methamphetamine in his system when he took his own life.
The autopsy shed light on the circumstances that led up to Brown’s death May 30 at the age of 42 and confirmed his official cause of death was a “single penetrating gunshot wound to the head,” according to TMZ. The report indicated that “subsequent immersion in water (river)” contributed to his passing, which was ruled a suicide.
The coroner’s office will proceed to release Brown’s body to his family for final arrangements, according to TMZ.
Brown had a history of substance abuse and was estranged from his family, People reported. A days-long search was conducted after the Okanogan Sheriff’s Office began looking for an unnamed man last observed with his face down in a river , according to TMZ. His brother, Solomon Isaiah “Bear” Brown, released a statement on social media May 30 telling fans that his body was located.
“They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear said in his video, going on to express his shock and disbelief. (RELATED: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Matt Brown Dies Tragically At 43)
“I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly.”
“He struggled for a long time, as I’ve mentioned, and I was so worried he was going to end up, you know — like OD’d or something like that. I didn’t think he would hurt himself,” Bear said.