The hit Discovery Channel reality show Alaskan Bush People gave viewers a raw, wilderness-focused look at a large family attempting to survive off the grid in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

For 14 seasons, the Brown family captivated millions with their unconventional lifestyle, survival tactics, and family dynamics.

But behind the scenes, the reality was far more complicated.

In 2025, the Brown family’s off-screen saga is marked by tragic deaths, criminal charges, family estrangement, and serious allegations of substance abuse.

While the show portrayed a united, rugged clan surviving in harmony with nature, the real-life fallout paints a different picture.

Here’s a deep look at Alaskan Bush People cast members who have either passed away or ended up in legal trouble.

Billy Brown (Deceased)

The emotional turning point for the entire Alaskan Bush People franchise was the death of family patriarch Billy Brown on February 7, 2021. The 68-year-old passed away after suffering a seizure at the family’s North Star Ranch in Washington State.

His death devastated fans and marked the beginning of the show’s slow unraveling. Billy was the spiritual and literal leader of the family, and without him, both the family unit and the show’s structure began to fracture.

His death was compounded by legal complications — his business partner later filed a $500,000 lawsuit against his estate, claiming unpaid profits from the show.

Rain Brown and Josiah Lorton (Arrested in 2025)

Arrest Date: April 11, 2025

Location: Okanogan County, Washington

Rain Brown, the youngest of the Brown siblings and once a fan favorite, shocked viewers when she and her husband, Josiah Lorton, were arrested in April 2025.

The couple faces multiple felony charges, including:

First-degree burglary

First-degree malicious mischief

Second-degree criminal trespass (Rain)

According to reports, the couple allegedly broke into a family-owned rental property and stole over $171,000 in valuables — including gold coins, guns, and vintage wine. Damage to the property was estimated at over $5,000.

Rain and Josiah were released on their own recognizance after their court hearing. The case remains active as of June 2025.

Family Fallout and Meth Allegations

The situation worsened when Rain’s older brother, Noah Brown, accused her and their mother Ami Brown of methamphetamine use and mental deterioration. These claims led to a welfare check at the family’s residence.

Noah attempted to secure a restraining order against his sister but was denied by a judge due to a lack of evidence.

The public airing of these claims has fueled speculation about the family’s inner turmoil and raised concerns about Rain’s well-being, particularly following her 2022 stay in rehab for mental health and substance struggles.

Bear Brown (Arrested for Domestic Violence)

Arrest Date: March 11, 2025

Okanogan County Jail

Bear Brown, whose real name is Solomon Isaiah Freedom Brown, was arrested on charges of fourth-degree domestic violence after a dispute with his on-again, off-again partner Raiven Adams.

He spent several days in jail before being released without bail. According to police reports, Bear allegedly pinned Raiven during an argument over her phone. Bear later took to social media to deny the allegations, insisting he only tried to retrieve his own device.

This isn’t the first time Bear and Raiven’s relationship has made headlines; the couple has had a volatile, public history of breakups, reconciliations, and custody disputes over their son.

Matt Brown (Estranged and Rebuilding Life)

The eldest Brown sibling, Matt Brown, has had the rockiest road of them all. He was arrested for DUI in 2015, spent time in rehab, and eventually became estranged from the family and the show entirely.

Matt has since launched a YouTube channel, where he’s spoken candidly about:

Addiction and recovery

Alleged financial exploitation by show producers

Feeling abandoned by his family

While he has not returned to Alaskan Bush People, Matt appears to be trying to rebuild his life — but his absence remains one of the most significant fractures in the Brown legacy.

End of an Era: Show Canceled in 2022

Following Billy’s death and growing controversy around the Brown family, Alaskan Bush People was officially canceled in 2022 after 14 seasons. The cancellation came amid a lawsuit against Billy’s estate and falling ratings.

What began as a show about a self-sufficient family living in the wild ended with a long trail of court records, emotional breakdowns, and public scandal.