'Alaskan Bush People' Star Billy Brown's Death Devastates Fans

Billy Brown, the Alaskan Bush People family's patriarch, died on Sunday night, his family and the Discovery Channel announced. His death left fans of the long-running reality TV show stunned and devastated on social media. Brown was 68 and is survived by his wife Ami Brown and their seven children, all of whom appeared on Alaskan Bush People.

One of Brown's sons, Solomon "Bear" Brown, said Brown suffered a seizure Sunday night. "He was our best friend - a wonderful and loving dad, granddad, and husband and he will be dearly missed," Bear wrote, alongside a photo of his parents. "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." In the end, Brown's family asked for privacy and prayers in this difficult time. The Discovery Channel called Brown a "trailblazer, a lovely man, and most definitely one of a kind."

Brown has faced several health challenges in recent years, as chronicled on Alaskan Bush People. In March 2019, one episode showed him collapsing as he left the family's camper. He later needed surgery, where doctors removed liquid from one of his lungs. In September 2019, Bear told his followers his father faced another major surgery. Earlier this year, there were reports Brown was suffering from heart problems. Scroll on for a look at how Brown's fans are remembering his life on social media.