The brother of Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown has opened up about their last conversation before the reality personality’s death at the age of 43.

Matt Brown, one of the original cast members of the long-running series, was found dead after his body was recovered from a river in Washington state. His death was confirmed by family members on May 30, with his brother Noah revealing that he was the first to discover and identify Matt’s body during the recovery effort.

Speaking to Us Weekly, Noah described the devastating moment in simple terms, saying: “Right now, all I can say is that he was lost in the river. He was lost in the river, and we found him.”

In a separate emotional message shared on TikTok, his brother Bear Brown also spoke about Matt’s struggles in the years leading up to his death, explaining that he had been dealing with alcohol and drug addiction as well as other personal challenges he kept private from the public.

Noah later reflected on the days surrounding his brother’s passing, revealing that he had seen Matt just one day before his disappearance in a brief, passing moment.

“I actually saw him the day before, just in one of those driving-by, wave-type situations,” he said. “I wish I had more time when I drove past. It was stopped, but… it is what it is.”

He also shared the emotional detail of their final real conversation, which he said took place about two to three weeks before Matt’s death.

“I ran into him in the grocery store, and the last thing I said to him was, ‘OK, love you more, man,’ which was our thing,” Noah recalled.

He added a heartfelt reminder about how unpredictable life can be. “You never know when the last time you’re going to see someone is, so always say how you feel right before you say goodbye, because it could be the last thing. Then that was it.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Noah said that while he and Matt were not always in constant contact, they did not have major conflict between them.

“He and I were good, and I’m very, very thankful for that,” he said. “I do wish, though, that there could have been more, but in the end, that’s kind of always how it is.”

The Alaskan Bush People followed Billy and Ami Brown and their seven children as they attempted to live off-grid in the Alaskan wilderness before later relocating to Washington state, where Matt, Noah, Joshua “Bear,” Gabe, Bird, and Rain Brown became known to viewers.

Matt’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans who followed his journey on the series and his personal struggles over the years.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in emotional distress, support is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org.