The Tragic Timeline: How Did Garrison Brown Die From Sister Wives?

The Sister Wives family was struck by an unimaginable tragedy in early 2024, the loss of Robert Garrison Brown. The news sent shockwaves through the reality TV community and left fans of the long-running TLC series devastated. As of December 11, 2025, the full, heartbreaking details surrounding Garrison's passing have been confirmed by authorities, revealing a devastating mental health crisis that had been alluded to on the show.

The core question for many fans—"How did Garrison die?"—has a definitive, tragic answer. The 25-year-old son of Janelle Brown and Kody Brown died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, on March 5, 2024. The manner of death was officially ruled a suicide by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The family has since been open about their immense grief and the importance of mental health awareness in the wake of their loss.

Robert Garrison Brown: A Complete Biography

Robert Garrison Brown, known simply as Garrison, was a beloved figure on Sister Wives. He was known for his kind heart, his close bond with his siblings, and his desire for independence from the plural family structure, particularly after his public conflict with his father, Kody Brown. His life, though tragically short, was marked by service and a strong sense of loyalty.

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• Full Name: Robert Garrison Brown
• Date of Birth: April 10, 1998
• Date of Death: March 5, 2024
• Age at Passing: 25
• Parents: Kody Brown and Janelle Brown
• Mother's Siblings (Full Siblings): Logan Taylor Brown, Madison "Maddie" Rose Brush, Hunter Elias Brown, Gabriel "Gabe" Brown, and Savanah Brown.
• Other Mothers/Wives: Meri Brown, Christine Brown, and Robyn Brown.
• Residency: Flagstaff, Arizona
• Career: Served in the National Guard; had recently purchased his own home.

The Official Cause of Death and Timeline of Events

The official findings from the Coconino County Medical Examiner provided the final, heartbreaking confirmation regarding Garrison’s passing. The details paint a picture of a young man struggling privately with a mental health crisis that ultimately led to tragedy.

The Medical Examiner's Findings

The final autopsy report, made public in May 2024, confirmed that Garrison Brown died from a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death was officially classified as suicide.

Law enforcement in Flagstaff, Arizona, had responded to a distress call at Garrison's residence. His brother, Gabriel Brown (Gabe), was reportedly the one who discovered Garrison. Gabe had reportedly been in communication with Garrison shortly before the tragedy and was concerned about his mental state.

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The Family's Public Statement

Janelle Brown and Kody Brown released a joint statement on social media shortly after his death, confirming the devastating news and asking for privacy. Their message was a touching tribute and a plea for empathy:

"Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful son, Robert Garrison Brown. He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a huge hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory and the loss of life he suffered."

This public acknowledgment of the loss, and the subsequent sharing of their grief on the TLC show, brought a necessary conversation about mental health to the forefront for the millions of Sister Wives viewers.

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The Family's Journey of Grief and Reconciliation

Garrison's death occurred at a time when the Brown family was already fractured. The COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated existing tensions, particularly between Kody Brown and many of his adult children, including Garrison and Gabe. The emotional aftermath was heavily featured on the reality show, providing a raw look at a family navigating unimaginable loss.

The Estrangement with Kody Brown

A significant storyline in recent seasons of Sister Wives was the deep rift between Kody and his sons, Garrison and Gabe. The conflict stemmed primarily from Kody's strict, polarizing COVID-19 protocols. Garrison had been vocal about his frustration, leading to a period of estrangement from his father.

Following the tragedy, Kody Brown expressed his immense regret over the strained relationship, noting that his only regret was not being able to reconcile fully with his son before his death. The loss forced Kody, Janelle, and the other wives—Christine Brown, Meri Brown, and Robyn Brown—to put their differences aside to grieve together.

The Emotional Funeral and Tributes

The funeral was a private, emotional affair, but clips and discussions were later shown on Sister Wives, demonstrating the family's collective sorrow. Janelle Brown, in particular, has been focused on keeping her son's memory alive, often sharing photos and emotional tributes to Garrison, who she described as a "kind, giving, and loving soul."

Christine Brown, a former wife of Kody and a close friend to Janelle, also became a pillar of support for the family, tearfully discussing the profound impact of the loss on everyone. The siblings, including Logan, Maddie, Hunter, Gabe, and Savanah, have rallied around their mother and each other, relying on their strong sibling bond to process their grief.

The tragedy has served as a painful, public reminder of the importance of mental health resources and family connection. The Brown family’s decision to share their story, despite the intense personal pain, has brought a vital conversation to the national stage.

Mental Health Awareness and Resources

In the wake of Garrison Brown’s death, the Brown family, TLC, and fans have consistently used the platform to advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. It is a critical reminder that struggles with mental health are often invisible and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or having thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available. You are not alone. Resources are standing by 24/7 to provide free and confidential support. If you are in the United States, you can call or text 988 anytime to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.