Authorities have confirmed Garrison Brown’s cause of death.
Robert Garrison Brown, the son of two Sister Wives stars, tragically passed away in March at the age of 25.
Garrison was the son of Janelle and Kody Brown, stars of the TLC series Sister Wives, which documents the daily lives of a polygamist family. The show features Garrison’s mother Janelle, along with Kody’s other wives – Meri, Christine and Robyn Brown.
Janelle entered a spiritual marriage with Kody in 1993 – meaning their marriage was recognised by Kody’s church, but not the government. When Janelle and Kody said their ‘I dos’ and she became his second wife, he was already legally married to Meri Brown.
Together, the couple had six children: Logan, Madison, Hunter, Garrison, Gabriel, and Savanah.
The heartbreaking news of Garrison’s passing has left the internet in mourning.
Janelle wrote on Instagram: “Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown.
“He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honouring his memory.”
Kody echoed this statement on his own Instagram page.
TLC also issued a statement, reading: “We are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Garrison Brown. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time.”
The Sister Wives family has faced significant controversy since 2021.
This turmoil began when Christine Brown left Kody after more than 25 years of marriage.
Shortly after, Garrison’s mother Janelle followed suit, becoming the second sister wife to leave in December 2022.
Robyn also ended her relationship with Kody not long after, leaving Meri as the sole remaining partner of the former polygamist.
Many of Kody’s children have spoken about the growing distance between them and their father.
Janelle voiced her concerns, stating at the time, per People. “I have worried about my boys’ mental health. Gabriel feels everything very, very deeply. But he’s also the kid who doesn’t say anything.”
She also said that Garrison ‘just seems angry or sadder, like, he’s not as happy-go-lucky as he used to be’.
Kody confirmed there was distance between him and his children during a May 2023 episode of Sister Wives.
He revealed: “I haven’t been in touch with Gabriel and Garrison for quite a while.
“I’m pretty sad that I’m not close anymore. There were just so many things in our lives that we did that were rich together, you know, just special experiences.”
Kody expressed optimism for a future where the situation would be resolved, and everyone could be together happily again.
However, he noted a lack of receptivity from Gabe and Garrison, indicating they were not, at the time, willing to communicate with him.
Two months after Garrison’s passing, his cause of death has been disclosed.
Warning: the following contains a discussion of suicide.
Lieutenant Charles M Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department confirmed that on March 5, police responded to an apparent death in a Flagstaff home.
Lt Hernandez stated: “At this time there is not any indication of foul play, and Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division are investigating.”
Garrison’s manner of death has since been ruled a suicide in an autopsy report obtained by People.
The Coconino County Medical Examiner confirmed that the 25-year-old died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The report notes that a contributing factor was ethanol intoxication, commonly known as alcohol poisoning.
According to the autopsy, Garrison’s blood alcohol level was .307% based on his iliac blood analysis and .370% based on his vitreous analysis.
For reference, the legal limit in the US is .08%, and levels above .40% are considered potentially fatal.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the UK, the Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.
