Alaskan Bush People Cast Members Who are Dead or In Jail In 2025

Alaskan Bush People: The Shocking Truth About Who Died and Who Went to Jail

Alaskan Bush People is one of Discovery Channel’s most famous reality shows, loved for its raw depiction of life in the Alaskan wilderness. For years, millions of viewers followed the Brown family’s journey as they struggled to survive far from modern society.

But after the show unexpectedly ended, fans were left with countless questions: What really happened to the Brown family? Which cast members are dead? Who ended up in jail? And why was the show canceled? This article uncovers everything you need to know.

What Made Alaskan Bush People So Popular?

Premiering on May 6, 2014, Alaskan Bush People quickly became a global hit. The show focused on Billy Brown, his wife Ami, and their seven children as they attempted to live completely off-grid in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.

Viewers were fascinated by the family’s survival tactics—hunting for food, building shelters from raw materials, and battling brutal weather conditions. The mix of authenticity and drama made the series a must-watch for reality TV fans.

However, behind the cameras, the Browns faced serious hardships—tragedies, legal trouble, and shocking scandals that eventually overshadowed the show’s original charm.

Which Alaskan Bush People Cast Members Have Died?

Billy Brown – The Heart of the Show

Billy Brown was not only the father of the Brown family but also the soul of Alaskan Bush People. Born in 1952 in Texas, Billy endured tragedy early in life—losing his parents and sister in a plane crash when he was just 16.

Determined to live a life of freedom, he moved to Alaska, where he later met Ami and built a large family. For 12 seasons, Billy was the charismatic leader, guiding his family through extreme conditions.

Sadly, Billy suffered from severe heart problems in his later years. Despite medical warnings to leave the mountains for treatment, he chose to stay where he felt at home. On February 7, 2021, Billy Brown passed away after a sudden seizure at the age of 68, leaving fans and family devastated.

Amber Branson – A Tragic Story

Amber Branson, a relative of Ami Brown who occasionally appeared in early episodes, faced her own battles after leaving the show. Struggling with mental health and substance abuse, Amber tragically died in 2020 from severe burns after a fire-related incident. Her death shocked fans and highlighted the unseen struggles behind the scenes.

Who From Alaskan Bush People Has Been to Jail?

While the show portrayed the Browns as a close-knit, nature-loving family, reality was more complicated. Several cast members have faced legal trouble over the years.

Bear Brown – Arrested for Domestic Violence

Bear Brown, known for his wild personality and adventurous spirit, was arrested in 2022 in Washington for alleged domestic violence against his wife, Raiven Adams. He was later released without bail, but the case damaged his reputation. Bear later pleaded guilty as part of a deal and vowed to change his life.

Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown – Convicted of Fraud

Joshua Brown, Billy’s second-oldest son, was involved in one of the family’s earliest legal scandals. In 2014, Joshua and several family members—including Billy—were charged with fraud for illegally claiming Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend while living out of state. They pleaded guilty, repaid the funds, and served 30 days in jail along with 40 hours of community service.

Rain Brown – Accused of Stealing $75,000

Rain Brown, the youngest Brown sibling and once a fan favorite, was arrested in early 2025 along with her husband, Josiah Lorton. The couple was accused of stealing $75,000 in cash, gold, alcohol, and firearms from a family member’s home. Rain denied the allegations, and the case is still under investigation.

Why Was Alaskan Bush People Canceled?

Following Billy Brown’s death in 2021, Discovery quietly ended Alaskan Bush People without announcing an official cancellation reason. However, several factors likely contributed:

The loss of Billy Brown, the central figure of the series.

Mounting controversies and legal troubles involving family members.

Allegations of fake storylines, as locals and fans accused the show of being staged.

Despite this, the Browns still maintain a loyal fan base, and many wonder if the family will ever return to TV.

Is the Show Staged?

For years, critics and Alaskan residents have claimed that Alaskan Bush People was heavily scripted. Reports suggested that the family lived closer to modern conveniences than portrayed on TV, and some scenes were allegedly reenacted for dramatic effect. Discovery has never officially confirmed these allegations, but the rumors persist.

Where Is the Brown Family Now?

After leaving Alaska, the Browns relocated to Washington State. Some members still try to live off-grid, but their lifestyle is far less isolated than before. The family occasionally shares updates on social media, though their lives are much quieter than during their TV fame.

Final Thoughts

Alaskan Bush People was more than just a survival show—it was a story about family, resilience, and human spirit. Yet behind the rugged lifestyle were real struggles, heartbreaking losses, and personal scandals that few fans expected. Whether the Browns ever return to television remains uncertain, but their story will always be a fascinating—and controversial—part of reality TV history.