Trigger warning: This story discusses suicide.
The news of Garrison Brown’s death shocked Sister Wives fans last year. For over ten years, viewers have watched most of the children grow up on screen. And even though there was a massive fallout between the family, no one expected this outcome. Sunday’s all-new episode showed the entire family opening up about their grief. Now, fans are commending the Brown family and TLC for how they approached the episode.
How did Garrison Brown die?
Janelle Brown took to her confessional to share how Garrison passed away on March 5, 2024. Fans will recall that Kody Brown and Janelle both released a statement about their son. The Instagram post read, “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 honoring his memory.” It was quickly revealed that Garrison had taken his own life and was found by his brother, Gabriel Brown.
The 25-year-old shot himself in the head at his Flagstaff, Arizona, home. The autopsy report conducted by the Coconino County Medical Examiner confirmed his manner of death was ruled a suicide. The report also revealed that Garrison had ethanol intoxication. The Sister Wives star’s blood alcohol level was .307% while the legal limit in Arizona is .08%. Anything above 0.40% is considered potentially fatal. In recent months, the family has spoken about his depression and battle with drinking.
The Sister Wives family bands together
I knew this episode was going to be difficult, but I didn’t realize the impact it would have on me and other fans. The episode started simple enough as the crew caught up with Meri Brown. While getting ready to film, Kody kept calling, which struck his first wife as odd. Finally, she answered, and cameras caught the devastating moment Kody revealed that his son had taken his own life. Janelle then appeared on screen, and I know everyone’s heart broke in that moment. But the mother of six was strong as she spoke about the worst call she had ever received. She said Gabe called, “He’s like, ‘Mom, he’s gone.’ I mean, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘He’s dead. He killed himself.'”
Janelle opened up more as she talked with her sister, Carrie. “He had anxiety and depression,” Janelle explained, “and then he started drinking as a way to sort of soothe that. It became the animal he couldn’t get a hold of.” The openness that Janelle and the rest of the family embraced will probably save a life. Along with Janelle, multiple siblings spoke about Garrison. Mykelti Brown, Maddie Brown, and Gabe spoke about how great their brother was and didn’t sugarcoat the fact that he chose suicide. It was brave and moving. And I was left in a puddle of tears.
Kody Brown is consumed with grief
Say what you want about the polygamous patriarch. But the man lost a son. Cameras filmed as he sat by a fire he built, remembering how his son loved the flames. And he stewed on the ‘what ifs’ of life. What if he had reached out to Garrison? Would he still be here? He even mentioned that the COVID-19 feud felt so trivial now. Kody made a devastating confession, telling his fourth wife how badly he was hurting. “It wasn’t supposed to be this way, you know what I’m saying? It’s just heartbreaking, and I don’t … Robyn, I didn’t get a chance to really just make things right. Just not being able to say goodbye,” cried the father of 18.
Everyone thinks there will be more time. Sadly, the latest Sister Wives episode reminds us that it isn’t always the case. Kody added, “I just don’t know what to do with his death. Because it’s like I’ve got to do something different because I could have had more time with him, and I thought there would be more time.” The episode was beyond emotional, but the Browns should be extremely proud of their ability to discuss the hardship openly. Mental health still holds a stigma, but hopefully, their devastation and willingness to address it can help save someone else. Thank you, Janelle, Kody, and the rest. We at Reality Tea are thinking of you and Garrison.
Sister Wives is available to stream on TLC.
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