The Tragic Truth: 5 Key Details About How Garrison Brown Died And The Family's Heartbreak

Contents

The sudden and heartbreaking death of Robert Garrison Brown, a beloved figure on the TLC reality show Sister Wives, sent shockwaves through the reality TV community and his large, polygamist family. The official reports confirming the circumstances of his passing have provided clarity on the tragedy, but the emotional fallout and the context of his final months continue to be explored by his family, particularly his mother, Janelle Brown, and father, Kody Brown. The most recent information, including details from the official autopsy report released in May 2024, paints a somber picture of a young man struggling with personal demons.

Garrison Brown, who was only 25 at the time of his death, was a bright light for many viewers, known for his charismatic personality and his often-strained relationship with his father, Kody. His passing has brought a renewed focus on mental health struggles within the Brown family and the importance of addressing these issues openly. The information presented here reflects the most current and verified details regarding the cause of death and the ongoing family response as of today, December 21, 2025.

Robert Garrison Brown: Full Biography and Life Profile

Robert Garrison Brown, affectionately known as Garrison, was the sixth child born to Kody Brown and his second wife, Janelle Brown. He grew up in the public eye, featuring prominently in the reality series Sister Wives, which documented his family’s life in a plural marriage.

  • Full Name: Robert Garrison Brown
  • Date of Birth: April 10, 1998
  • Date of Death: March 5, 2024
  • Age at Death: 25
  • Parents: Kody Brown and Janelle Brown
  • Siblings: Madison "Maddie" Brown Brush, Logan Brown, Hunter Brown, Gabriel "Gabe" Brown, Savanah Brown (full siblings); and numerous half-siblings from Kody's other marriages (Meri, Christine, and Robyn).
  • Military Service: Staff Sergeant in the Nevada Army National Guard. He served as a Cavalry Scout and was publicly honored by the National Guard after his passing.
  • Education/Career Goals: He was a nursing student with aspirations of a career in the medical field.
  • Business Venture: Garrison was the founder of an online clothing shop that specialized in Hawaiian-style shirts. Following his death, the Brown family announced plans to relaunch the company to honor his legacy.
  • Residence: Flagstaff, Arizona, where he purchased a home in 2021.

The Official Cause of Death: Confirmed Suicide

The tragic circumstances of Garrison Brown's death were officially confirmed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. The details, which became public in an autopsy report released in May 2024, provided the final, definitive answer to the question of how he died.

Gunshot Wound to the Head

The autopsy report confirmed that Robert Garrison Brown died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death was officially ruled a suicide. He was found deceased in his Flagstaff, Arizona home on March 5, 2024, by his younger brother, Gabriel “Gabe” Brown, who had reportedly been asked to check on him.

The Flagstaff Police Department was called to the scene, and it was determined that no foul play was involved. The police report indicated that Garrison had been struggling with mental health issues and a drinking problem in the months leading up to the tragedy.

A Troubling Final Text

A key piece of information revealed in the police reports was a final text message sent by Garrison that raised immediate concern. His mother, Janelle Brown, was alerted to the text and immediately contacted her other children to check on him, which led to Gabe’s discovery. While the content of the text was not fully disclosed, Janelle later revealed on the show that it was a message that indicated he was in distress.

This detail underscores the critical importance of recognizing warning signs and utilizing mental health resources. The family's public statements have since emphasized the need for open conversations about suicide prevention and mental wellness, transforming their private grief into a public call for awareness.

The Context: Estrangement and Mental Health Struggles

Garrison Brown’s life, particularly his young adulthood, was marked by a public and painful estrangement from his father, Kody Brown. This fractured family dynamic became a major storyline on Sister Wives and is considered a critical part of the context surrounding his mental health struggles.

The Rift with Kody Brown

The relationship between Garrison and his father had been severely strained for several years, primarily stemming from disagreements and tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kody's strict rules and perceived favoritism led to a major rift with several of his children, including Garrison and Gabe. Sources indicate that Garrison was "still estranged" from his father before his death, adding a layer of profound grief and regret to the family's loss.

The emotional distance from Kody was a heavy burden, and the reality show documented how this conflict deeply affected Garrison. This estrangement is a painful reminder of the long-term impact that family conflict can have on a person’s psychological well-being.

Alcohol Abuse and Depression

In addition to the family conflict, reports confirmed that Garrison had been struggling with a drinking problem and possible depression. His sister, Madison "Maddie" Brown Brush, publicly shared that Garrison had been dealing with mental health challenges, further normalizing the conversation about these unseen battles.

The combination of family estrangement, the pressures of growing up on reality television, and struggles with mental health and substance use created a difficult environment for the young Staff Sergeant. His story has become a poignant example of how even outwardly successful individuals can be fighting silent, internal battles.

The Brown Family's Public Tributes and Legacy

Following the tragedy, the Brown family, including Kody and Janelle, released a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. The subsequent public tributes and actions have focused on honoring Garrison’s memory and promoting mental health awareness.

  • Joint Statement: Kody and Janelle Brown posted a unified message on social media, announcing the loss of their "beautiful boy" and asking for privacy while they grieved.
  • Tributes from Siblings: Garrison’s siblings, including Maddie, Gabe, and Savanah, have shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on his caring nature, his sense of humor, and his dedication as a brother and uncle.
  • Honoring Military Service: The Nevada Army National Guard held a memorial service to honor Staff Sergeant Robert Garrison Brown, recognizing his commitment to his country as a Cavalry Scout.
  • Relaunching His Business: In a touching effort to keep his legacy alive, the family announced plans to relaunch Garrison's online clothing company, selling his Hawaiian shirts to honor his entrepreneurial spirit and love for life.
  • TLC's Response: The latest season of Sister Wives has dedicated time to cover the family's immediate reaction and their grieving process, ensuring that the topic of mental health and suicide prevention is addressed directly with viewers.

Garrison Brown’s tragic death serves as a powerful, albeit painful, reminder that help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (or your local equivalent), a confidential and free resource available 24/7. The family hopes that by being open about their loss, they can encourage others to seek the help they need.

how did garrison brown die
how did garrison brown die

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Mohamed Rippin MD
  • Username : sofia45
  • Email : elliot85@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1994-03-07
  • Address : 4976 Myles Ports South Lethaton, VT 58181
  • Phone : 334-336-2501
  • Company : Fadel Inc
  • Job : Director Of Marketing
  • Bio : Suscipit rem minus labore. Sunt quaerat harum incidunt eos sunt rem aut perspiciatis. Repellendus eveniet inventore officiis.

Socials

facebook:

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/sporerr
  • username : sporerr
  • bio : Dolore natus voluptatem laudantium. Corporis sequi corrupti totam quibusdam.
  • followers : 4655
  • following : 2935

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/rsporer
  • username : rsporer
  • bio : Et voluptas quisquam sint et. Non porro ut sed rerum et. Aut unde ullam aut ea.
  • followers : 1608
  • following : 1861