Sister Wives' Janelle Brown on Son Garrison's Heartbreaking Death: 'Substance Abuse Played a Role' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

(L) Janelle and Garrison Brown.Photo:Janelle Brown/ Instagram

Janelle Brown/ Instagram

Janelle Brownis opening up about the heartbreaking details surrounding her son Garrison’s death.

“I think for him, I would say the substance abuse was really probably one of the biggest factors,” says Janelle, noting that Garrison, who she shared with exKody Brown,seemed happyand had a lot going in life.

“I don’t know what we could have done different[ly],” she adds.

(L) Garrison and Janelle Brown.Janelle Brown/Instagram

Janelle Brown/Instagram

The TLC star, who will return toTLC screens for season 19 on Sunday, Sept. 15, explains that she and her family members had “real conversations” about his struggles and offered “resources” to help him push past his addiction.

“We were always talking to him, we were loving him. All the things were there,” she reflects. “It really just was something he could not… like the demon he couldn’t get on top of the battle. He couldn’t seem to get over. And it just wasn’t for lack of love or lack of anything.”

Sometimes, Janelle admits she can’t help but think “could we have done something more, but I don’t know.”

“I think that’s a grief trap because I think ultimately everybody is responsible for their own actions and their own decisions,” she continues. “We did everything. We really did everything that we could have done. And unfortunately, sometimes that still isn’t enough.”

She adds, “I think the biggest thing is to remember that, ‘What if I did this, could I have done this?’ That’s a weird mental game we play with ourselves sometimes when we’re in grief.”

Garrison Brown with his cats.Robert Brown/ Instagram

Robert Brown/ Instagram

On March 5, Garrison wasfound deadin his home in Arizona. At the time, Lieutenant Charles M. Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department told PEOPLE that officers responded to a report of a death inside a home and confirmed that Garrison’s brotherGabriel, 22, had “discovered Mr. Brown deceased.” Officials later ruled hismanner of deathas a suicide.

Garrison had been a part of TLC’sSister Wivessince its debut in 2010. In addition to Garrison, the now-exes Janelle and Kody Brown also share daughtersMaddie, 28, andSavannah, 19 as well as sonsLogan, 29,Hunter, 27, andGabe.

Shortly after his death, the former pair shared a joint statement addressing the news on their respective Instagram pages.

“Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” Janellewrote in her post. “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.”

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Sister Wivesseason 19returns Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com