Billy Brown Cause of Death: How Did the ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Star Die?

Alaskan Bush People’s Billy Brown has died suddenly at age 68.

The Brown family patriarch suffered from a seizure on Sunday, February 7.

News of his death was announced by his son, Bear Brown, who wrote on Instagram, “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure.”

He continued, “He was our best friend – a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed. He lived his life on his terms, off the grid and off the land and taught us to live like that as well. We plan to honor his legacy going forward, and to continue with his dream. We ask for privacy and prayers during this painful time! God bless everyone!!!”

In an official statement, Alaskan Bush People wrote, “We are devastated to hear of Billy Brown’s sudden passing. He has been part of the Discovery family for years – a trailblazer, a lovely man, and most definitely one of a kind. Our heart is with his family and those that knew him and loved him as they deal with this devastating loss.”

A number of fans and friends have offered their condolences.

Brown is survived by his wife, Ami, and their seven children, all of whom appeared on the Discovery Channel series.

Here’s what you need to know:

Billy Brown Was Struggling With Respiratory Issues

Billy had been hospitalized in the past for respiratory issues.

Just last month, Pop Culture reported that he was in “declining health” after “defying doctors’ orders.”

Brown had been in and out of the hospital with breathing troubles and was told by doctors that high altitude wasn’t good for his health.

When he returned home from one doctor’s visit, he told his family he was having heart problems.

In an effort to dampen the stress on his heart, the Brown children decided to move Billy and Ami’s trailer further down the mountain. In one episode of the show, Rain shared of the family’s home, “[My parents] are holding up — air quality is a big factor for my dad. I feel like they’re always the anchors. They’re always assuring us that things are going to be OK, even when we want to assure them things are OK.”

In the words of The Sun, however, Billy was determined to continue his life on the mountain. “Billy decided he’d rather die on his Alaskan Bush People mountain rather than anywhere else.”

Ami Brown’s Health Update

Billy Brown’s wife, Ami, was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer in 2017. She was given a survival rate as low as 3%, according to Distractify.

As Survivor Net noted, she underwent four months of chemotherapy and radiation for treatment. In 2018, doctors announced Ami was “cancer-free.”

Last August, Bear Brown gave fans an update on his mom’s health in an Instagram post. According to People Magazine, he wrote, “Happy Birthday to my mother!!!. The strongest and most courageous woman I’ve ever known. We’ve had a pretty hard time the past few years, but we’ve also had some monumental moments! Mom has gotten the grandchildren she has always wanted! I feel very blessed to still have my mother with me and that she has gotten to see the Wolfpack grow even larger with grandchildren. Through all the adversity we’ve faced we still stand together as a family! Even stronger because of it!!! Happy birthday Mom.”

In October 2020, Distractify reported that, “by all indications, Ami is still in remission.”

Ami has yet to comment on her husband’s sudden passing.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available. 

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