What Happened To The Alaskan Bush People? The Brown Family's Journey Beyond The Wild

Bianka Ebert 24 Aug 2025

For many years, the Brown family captured the hearts of viewers across the globe with their unique way of life, deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Their show, "Alaskan Bush People," presented a family striving to live off the land, far from modern conveniences, building their own world in what they called Browntown. It was, you know, a pretty big deal for folks who loved seeing something different on television.

The series showed us a truly remarkable existence, with the family facing the harsh realities of nature, building homes with their own hands, and trying to make a living in a place many would find too tough. People really got to know Billy, Ami, and their seven children: Matt, Bam Bam, Bear, Gabe, Noah, Bird, and Rain. They were, in a way, a picture of resilience and family bonds.

But then, things started to shift. Viewers began to wonder, quite a bit, what was going on. Questions like "What happened to the Alaskan Bush People?" became very common searches online. The family's path took some unexpected turns, leading them away from the wild Alaskan bush they had called home for so long. So, let's explore their story, shall we, and see where their journey has taken them.

The Heart of the Family: Billy Brown's Story
- Personal Details of Billy Brown
The Start of a Wild Journey: Alaskan Bush People Begins
Life in Browntown: A Unique Existence
Tough Times and Big Changes
- Facing Legal Issues
- Ami's Health Struggle
Leaving Alaska: A New Chapter
Settling in Washington State
Where Are They Now? Updates on the Brown Children
The Future of the Show and the Family
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brown Family

The Heart of the Family: Billy Brown's Story

Billy Bryan Brown, the patriarch of the Brown family, was really the guiding force behind their unique lifestyle and the very idea of the show. Born in Texas, Billy had a pretty rough start in life, losing his family at a young age. This, you know, shaped his desire for a self-sufficient existence, far from the rules of ordinary society. He found a deep connection with the wild, and that passion became the foundation of everything his family did.

He was, in a way, a storyteller and a dreamer, often sharing tales of his adventures and the wisdom he gained from living off the land. Billy was the one who taught his children the skills they needed to survive and thrive in remote areas, instilling in them a strong sense of family and a love for nature. His vision, honestly, was what truly drove the "Alaskan Bush People" narrative for so many years.

Personal Details of Billy Brown

Detail	Information
Full Name	Billy Bryan Brown
Role on Show	Patriarch, Family Leader
Spouse	Ami Brown
Children	Matt, Joshua "Bam Bam," Solomon "Bear," Gabriel "Gabe," Noah, Amora "Bird," Merry Christmas "Rain"
Birthplace	Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Passed Away	February 7, 2021
Cause of Death	Seizure (due to ongoing health issues)

The Start of a Wild Journey: Alaskan Bush People Begins

The show, "Alaskan Bush People," first hit television screens in 2014, and it quickly became a real talking point. It introduced viewers to the Brown family, who claimed to have spent decades living deep in the Alaskan wilderness, rarely interacting with the outside world. The idea was that they were truly off-grid, relying on their wits and the natural world around them for everything. This was, honestly, quite a compelling concept for a reality show.

The early episodes focused on their daily struggles and triumphs, like building shelters from scratch, hunting for food, and navigating the harsh weather. We saw them, for example, trying to make a living by fishing or trading, always with a strong emphasis on family teamwork. The raw, almost untouched feel of their lives was, you know, a big part of the appeal for many viewers.

The series really tried to show the challenges of their isolated existence, highlighting how they had to be resourceful and resilient to survive. They often faced very, very tough conditions, from freezing temperatures to scarce resources, and the show, apparently, wanted to capture all of that for everyone to see. It was, in some respects, a glimpse into a life most people could only dream of, or maybe even dread.

Life in Browntown: A Unique Existence

Browntown, as the family called their settlement, was depicted as a collection of makeshift structures tucked away in the Alaskan wilderness. It was, you know, supposed to be their sanctuary, a place they built with their own hands, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. They showed us how they gathered materials, often salvaged, and put together their homes, sometimes with very simple tools.

Daily life in Browntown was, quite literally, a constant battle against the elements and a search for sustenance. We saw the children, as they grew older, learning to hunt, fish, and trap alongside their parents. They truly embraced a lifestyle that was, you know, very different from what most people experience, focusing on skills that felt almost ancient in today's world.

The show often highlighted their unique family dynamics and their own language, which they called "Bush Speak." This included, for example, their own words for things like "morning" or "food," adding another layer to their already distinct way of living. It was, arguably, a fascinating peek into a family that truly forged its own path, even if it seemed a bit unusual to outsiders.

Tough Times and Big Changes

Even in the remote bush, the Brown family couldn't escape all the difficulties that life can throw at you. Over the years, they faced some pretty serious challenges that, you know, really tested their resolve and ultimately led to some very big shifts in their lives. These events made many people wonder, quite a bit, about their future and what would happen next.

Facing Legal Issues

One of the first major hurdles the family encountered involved legal trouble. In 2015, Billy and Bam Bam Brown, along with other family members, faced charges related to falsifying permanent fund dividend applications. This, you know, meant they were accused of saying they lived in Alaska when they might not have met the residency requirements for the state's annual payout. It was, honestly, a pretty big deal.

They ended up pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges, and both Billy and Bam Bam spent a short time in jail. This incident, quite naturally, caused a lot of discussion among viewers and raised questions about the family's true history and their claims of living continuously in the Alaskan bush. It was, in some respects, a moment that really changed how some people viewed the show.

Ami's Health Struggle

Perhaps the most significant and heartbreaking challenge came when Ami Brown, the family's beloved matriarch, was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 2017. This news, you know, hit the family and their fans incredibly hard. Her health became the top priority, and it meant they had to make some very tough choices about their living situation.

Ami needed extensive medical treatment, which simply wasn't available in the remote Alaskan bush. This health crisis, therefore, forced the family to leave their isolated home and move to the lower 48 states to ensure Ami could get the care she needed. It was, arguably, a pivotal moment that marked the end of their Alaskan chapter, at least for a time. Her fight, as a matter of fact, showed incredible strength and determination.

Leaving Alaska: A New Chapter

The decision to leave Alaska was, you know, a truly monumental one for the Brown family. After years of building their lives in the wilderness, the need for Ami's medical treatment made staying impossible. They had to pack up what they could and head south, a move that was, in a way, a complete reversal of their entire lifestyle philosophy. This transition was, quite literally, a huge adjustment for everyone.

They initially settled in California, close to Ami's treatment facility. This was a massive change from their isolated existence, putting them right back into the very kind of modern society they had spent decades avoiding. It was, as you can imagine, a very jarring experience for them, going from the quiet bush to busy cities and hospitals. They had to learn, in fact, how to live with things like traffic and lots of people again.

After Ami's treatment showed positive signs, the family decided to find a new, more permanent home that still offered some sense of wildness, but with easier access to necessary services. They chose Washington State, specifically a large property in the North Cascade Mountains. This move, you know, was a step towards rebuilding their lives while trying to keep some of their bush traditions alive. It was, apparently, a way to balance their past with their present needs.

Settling in Washington State

The Brown family's new home in Washington State offered a fresh start, though it was still a significant change from their Alaskan days. They acquired a large piece of land in a more remote area of the state, allowing them to try and recreate some aspects of their bush life. This location, you know, provided more space and a connection to nature, which was important for them after being in California.

Here, they began building their new homestead, working together to establish a new base. The show continued to document their efforts, showing them construct new homes and structures, albeit with more modern resources available than in Alaska. It was, in a way, a different kind of challenge, trying to build a self-sufficient life when you're not quite as isolated as before. They were, in fact, still learning to adapt to their new surroundings.

The Washington property, while still wild in many respects, also provided much better access to medical facilities and other necessities, which was crucial for Ami's ongoing health monitoring. This balance was, you know, a key reason for choosing this location. The family worked hard to make it feel like home, bringing their unique spirit to a new landscape. You can learn more about their journey on our site, as they really faced a lot.

Where Are They Now? Updates on the Brown Children

As the family moved and grew, the individual children also started to forge their own paths, though they generally remained close. Each of them has had their own experiences and challenges since leaving Alaska, and their lives have continued to evolve. It's interesting, you know, to see how each one is doing these days.

Matt Brown

Matt, the eldest son, has had a particularly public and, you know, sometimes difficult journey. He has openly spoken about his struggles with substance abuse and has sought treatment multiple times. He's been trying to live a more sober life, often sharing updates with fans through social media. His path has been, in some respects, quite a personal one, separate from the main family narrative at times.

He hasn't been a regular part of the show in recent seasons, choosing to focus on his recovery and personal well-being. Matt, apparently, prefers a quieter life, away from the cameras, though he does connect with his followers online. He's been working on himself, and that's, you know, a very important thing for him.

Bam Bam Brown

Joshua "Bam Bam" Brown, known for his calm demeanor and intelligence, has also moved somewhat independently. He is in a relationship with Allison Kagan, a former producer for "Alaskan Bush People." They've been working on various projects, including renovating a ferry boat into a home, which is, you know, quite a unique endeavor.

Bam Bam has shown a knack for creativity and design, applying his bush ingenuity to different kinds of projects. He still visits his family, but his life has, in a way, branched out into new areas. He's always been, you know, a bit of a thinker, and his projects reflect that.

Bear Brown

Solomon "Bear" Brown, known for his "extreme" nature and love for the wild, has continued to embrace an adventurous lifestyle. He married Raiven Adams, and they have two children together, River and Cove. Their relationship has had its ups and downs, but they seem to be building a family life together. He's, in fact, often sharing pictures of his family and their outdoor activities.

Bear still loves being out in nature and tries to instill that same appreciation in his children. He's often seen, you know, exploring the wilderness around their Washington home, just as he did in Alaska. He's very much, apparently, still the "extreme" one, even with a family.

Gabe Brown

Gabriel "Gabe" Brown is married to Raquell Rose, and they have a daughter named Sophie. Gabe has always been a strong, dependable presence in the family, often helping with the heavy lifting and practical tasks. He continues to be a central figure in the family's homesteading efforts in Washington. He's, you know, pretty much always there when things need doing.

Gabe often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showing his love for his wife and daughter. He seems to enjoy a more settled life, focusing on his family and contributing to the new homestead. He's, arguably, found a good balance between his past and his present.

Noah Brown

Noah Brown, the inventor and tinkerer of the family, is married to Rhain Alisha, and they have two sons, Adam and Elijah. Noah continues to pursue his interest in creating gadgets and finding innovative solutions to problems, often using salvaged materials. He's, you know, always got some kind of project going on.

He's known for his unique inventions and his scientific approach to bush living. Noah has embraced family life and seems to enjoy raising his children in a more natural setting, while still being able to access resources for his various projects. He's, apparently, still very much the same inventive person he always was.

Bird Brown

Amora "Bird" Brown has always had a deep connection to animals and a love for the wild. She continues to live on the family's property in Washington and remains a significant part of their daily life. Bird is, you know, very much still focused on nature and her animals.

She often shares updates about her many pets and her adventures in the wilderness. Bird seems to enjoy the quieter aspects of their new home, finding comfort in the natural surroundings. She's, in fact, still very much the free spirit she always was.

Rain Brown

Merry Christmas "Rain" Brown, the youngest of the family, has grown up quite a bit on camera. She has been very open about her mental health journey and has used her platform to talk about important issues. Rain is, you know, quite active on social media, sharing her thoughts and experiences with her followers.

She continues to live with her family in Washington and is finding her own way in the world. Rain is, arguably, still figuring things out, like many young people, but she's doing it with a lot of public support. She's been very brave, as a matter of fact, in sharing her personal struggles.

The Future of the Show and the Family

The "Alaskan Bush People" show has continued to air new episodes, even after the family's move and the passing of Billy Brown in February 2021. The series has adapted to their new life in Washington, showing their efforts to build a new homestead and navigate life without their patriarch. It's, you know, definitely a different show now, but it still focuses on their family bond.

The family members often share updates on social media, keeping fans informed about their daily lives, personal milestones, and ongoing projects. While the show's focus has shifted from extreme Alaskan isolation to building a new life in Washington, the core themes of family, resilience, and living close to nature remain. You can often find them, apparently, sharing little snippets of their lives online.

As of late 2023, the show is still airing, with the family continuing to share their story. The legacy of Billy Brown and his dream of a wild, free life certainly lives on through his children and their continued commitment to their unique way of living. It's, you know, a story that just keeps unfolding, and many people are still very interested in what they do next. For more details on their adventures, check out Discovery Channel's official page, where they often post updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Brown Family

Many people have questions about the Brown family and their journey. Here are some common ones, you know, that often come up:

Is the Alaskan Bush People show still on TV?
Yes, the show "Alaskan Bush People" is still airing new episodes as of late 2023. It continues to follow the Brown family as they live and work on their homestead in Washington State. They've, in fact, adapted the show quite a bit since their move.

Why did the Brown family leave Alaska?
The primary reason the Brown family left Alaska was for Ami Brown's urgent medical treatment. She was diagnosed with lung cancer, and the necessary care was not available in their remote Alaskan location. So, they moved to the lower 48 states to ensure she could receive proper medical attention. It was, you know, a very difficult decision for them.

Where do the Alaskan Bush People live now?
The Brown family now lives on a large property in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington State. They have built a new homestead there, trying to maintain their bush lifestyle while having better access to modern amenities and medical facilities. It's, apparently, a pretty big piece of land where they can still feel connected to nature.

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