The Most Emotional Moments From Alaskan Bush People's New Special Honoring Billy Brown
The Legacy of Billy Brown will never be forgotten, according to his Alaskan Bush People family. The Discovery Channel honored Billy Brown, the "leader of the Wolfpack," on Feb. 28, 2021, with a special episode after he died from a seizure on Feb. 8, 2021.
Bear Brown made the emotional death announcement the following day. "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure. 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," he reportedly wrote.
The 68-year-old was an adventurer who (supposedly) lived in Alaska's bush. Since 2014, fans have been following the antics of the naturalist family who live off the land. The last episode of the series' 12th season aired in October 2020.
Brown married Ami Brown in 1979. They had five sons, Solomon "Bear," Matt, Joshua "Bam Bam," Gabe, and Noah, and two daughters, Rain (real name: Merry Christmas) and Snowbird. According to Radar Online, he was previously married to Brenda Brown, and they had two daughters, Twila and Brandy.
From his first marriage, Brown was a grandfather to Bronte Byars. From the younger set, Brown had three grandchildren: Elijah, River, and Sophie, per Distractify.
Billy Brown's kids remember their dad
The Discovery Channel special shows Billy Brown in never-before-seen footage as he goes about his everyday life. His interactions with his children are particularly touching. In the Alaskan Bush People clip, Brown marks Snowbird Brown's birthday with a special gift.
"I've carried this in my pocket for almost 30 years. This thing has brought home meat when nothing else would," he tells her. He then gave it to her as a birthday present. Afterward, Rainbow talked about the moment on-camera. She felt, "He is a part of the bush when I think about it."
In another clip, two of his sons also weighed in on what their father meant to them. "Dad saying that he has a bush heart, that just means that he's driven towards what the greatest freedom that is out there," Bam Bam said. Bear added his thoughts about his father. "Well, I've actually never seen Dad be stopped, ever... Dad always goes on," he praises his father.
After the patriarch's death, Brown's children honored their father by paying tribute to him. On her Instagram, Rain wrote, "I lost a true friend." Noah also updated his social media account and said that they were "heartbroken" at the loss of their "best friend — a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband."
Alaskan Bush People fans pay tribute to Billy Brown
Alaskan Bush People fans were devastated by the death of Billy Brown. On the show's official Twitter page, many of them shared their thoughts with the grieving family.
"Just finished watching the tribute to Billy Brown. My heart goes out to Ami and all the Brown kids & grandkids. I lost my Daddy in June and I understand the family's loss and unbearable pain. Billy Brown will always be in their hearts. Love to all," one user empathized with the Brown family on Twitter.
One viewer requested more footage after watching The Legacy of Billy Brown special.
"Absolutely love the tribute to Billy Brown. Such an amazing person. I can't imagine the sorrow that the wolf pack must be feeling right now. His TV audience family is missing their patriarch too tonight. MORE!" a second person tweeted.
Another Twitter user revealed that Billy Brown's death had an impact on their family.
"My dad is really mourning the lost [sic] of Billy from the show, Alaskan Bush People like he lost a friend," they wrote on Twitter.
Billy Brown, the leader of the Wolfpack, made an indelible impression on many people. May his legacy live on!