Billy Brown, the patriarch of the Discovery reality series “Alaskan Bush People”, passed away on Sunday at the age of 68.
He died after an attack, according to a private Instagram by his son, Bear Brown, according to People magazine.
“We are saddened to announce that our beloved Patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering an attack,” Bear wrote. “He was our best friend – a wonderful and loving father, grandfather and husband, and he will be greatly missed.”
In a public Instagram post, Bear’s sister Rain – who also goes through Rainy – left a touching tribute to their father.
‘I lost a true friend. Not forever, but only in this world, ”she wrote. ‘Keep my family in your thoughts and prayers, especially my mother. Please hold your family tight for me. Words cannot express how wonderful he was and is. But I will say, the closest thing to an angel I have ever known. God bless you because I love you very much and miss you. You will always be my hero. God bless everyone. ”
The program’s official Twitter account also acknowledge his “sudden departure,” and calls him a pioneer, a sweet man, and certainly one of a kind. ‘
The reality series, which premiered in 2014, follows the growing Brown family – including parents Billy and Ami, plus their children, Matt, Bam Bam, Bear, Gabe, Noah, Snowbird and Rainy – who live off the grid in the wilderness, ”according to the show’s official description.