4 Heartbreaking Losses: The Sister Wives Family Members Who Have Died And The Tragic Details

The Brown family, stars of the long-running reality series *Sister Wives*, has faced immense public scrutiny and personal turmoil, but no event has shaken the family’s foundation more profoundly than the loss of loved ones. The show, which documents the lives of Kody Brown, his four wives (now one), and their 18 children, has experienced its share of tragedy, with several close family members passing away over the years. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a comprehensive and respectful look at the family members who have died, focusing on the most recent and devastating loss that continues to impact Kody and Janelle Brown. The most recent and widely reported death is that of Robert Garrison Brown, the son of Kody and Janelle, whose tragic passing was confirmed in early 2024. The emotional fallout from this loss became a central, heartbreaking storyline in the most recent season of the TLC series.

The Life and Tragic Passing of Robert Garrison Brown

Robert Garrison Brown was one of the most beloved and outspoken children in the Brown family, known for his charismatic personality and his commitment to his military service. His life was tragically cut short, sending shockwaves through the family and the reality television community.

Robert Garrison Brown: Biography and Profile

• Date of Birth: April 10, 1998
• Parents: Kody Brown and Janelle Brown
• Siblings: Madison "Maddie" Brush, Logan Brown, Hunter Brown, Gabriel "Gabe" Brown, Savanah Brown, and 12 half-siblings from Kody's other marriages (Meri, Christine, and Robyn).
• Residency: Flagstaff, Arizona, at the time of his death.
• Military Service: Staff Sergeant in the Nevada National Guard.
• Public Persona: Known on *Sister Wives* for his independent spirit, his close bond with his mother, Janelle, and his growing estrangement from his father, Kody, during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

The Circumstances of Garrison Brown’s Death

Garrison Brown died on March 4, 2024, at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 25. The Coconino County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ruling the manner of death a suicide. The tragic events leading up to his death were later detailed in police reports and discussed by the family on the show. Janelle Brown became concerned after receiving a distressing text message from Garrison. She immediately sent two of her other sons, Savanah and Gabriel "Gabe" Brown, to check on their brother. It was one of Garrison's roommates who discovered him deceased. The police investigation revealed that Garrison had been struggling with personal issues, including a battle with alcohol abuse, which his roommates referred to as a "serious drinking problem." Janelle later confirmed on the show that Garrison had been drinking the night of his death. The devastating news of his suicide rocked the entire Brown family, with the moment Kody, Janelle, and Meri Brown learned of the loss being captured and aired in a May 2025 episode of *Sister Wives*.

Kody and Janelle’s Emotional Response and Legacy

Both Kody and Janelle Brown released joint statements expressing their profound grief over the loss of their son. They described him as a "bright spot" in the lives of everyone who knew him. The family held a memorial service to honor Staff Sgt. Robert Garrison Brown, with soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry, along with friends and family, gathering at the Clark County Armory to pay their respects. In a touching tribute to his love for animals, Janelle was later surprised with a memorial and plaque honoring Garrison's legacy at the Flagstaff Animal Shelter, where he had adopted his beloved cat, Cateloe. The family has encouraged fans and well-wishers to keep Garrison's legacy alive by donating to charities in need.

Other Brown Family Members Who Have Passed Away

While Garrison’s death is the most recent and publicized tragedy, the Brown family has endured other significant losses over the years, which have been mentioned or featured on the reality show, adding layers of grief to their already complex family dynamic.

1. William Winn Brown (Kody’s Father)

Kody Brown's father, William Winn Brown, affectionately known as "Winn," passed away in 2013 at the age of 78. Winn Brown was a polygamist himself and a major influence on Kody’s life and commitment to the fundamentalist Mormon faith. The Brown family memorialized the family patriarch, and his death was a difficult time for Kody, who had a close relationship with his father.

2. Curtis Brown (Kody’s Brother)

In the same year Kody lost his father, he also suffered the devastating loss of his younger brother, Curtis Brown, who died at the age of 34. Curtis's death was the result of a tragic motorcycle accident. Curtis had made an appearance in a Season 3 episode of *Sister Wives*, making his passing a recognized loss for viewers of the show.

3. Bonnie Ahlstrom (Meri’s Mother)

Meri Brown, Kody’s first wife, experienced a profound personal loss with the death of her mother, Bonnie Ahlstrom, in March 2021. Bonnie was 76 years old and was a frequent, beloved presence on *Sister Wives*, often visiting Meri and even helping her run her bed and breakfast, Lizzie's Heritage Inn, in Utah. Her passing was a moment of deep grief for Meri, who had a very close relationship with her mother.

The Enduring Impact of Family Tragedy on Sister Wives

The deaths of these family members, particularly the tragic and unexpected suicide of Garrison Brown, have profoundly impacted the narrative and emotional core of *Sister Wives*. The show has always centered on the struggles and triumphs of a plural family, but these losses have brought the reality of their human fragility to the forefront. The loss of Garrison, in particular, has led to a public discussion about mental health struggles and the importance of family reconciliation. His death occurred during a period of deep estrangement between Kody and several of his children, including Garrison. The raw, emotional fallout shown on TLC has resonated deeply with viewers, highlighting the pain of unresolved family conflict and the enduring grief of losing a child. The Brown family continues to navigate their grief in the public eye, finding solace in the memories and the legacy of their lost loved ones. The tributes to Garrison, the remembrance of Winn and Curtis, and the support for Meri after losing Bonnie all serve as painful reminders of the cost of their complicated lives, yet they also underscore the deep, enduring love that binds the Brown family together, even as their structure continues to change.