‘Sister Wives’ Star Kody Brown’s Son Garrison Found Dead at 25: Why Are People Blaming the Father?

People left messages like, “You could have prevented this…” and “He JUST needed LOVE from a father. RIP Garrison 🙏🏻.” Others accused Kody of neglect, stating, “He probably did it to finally get your attention!!!! I was literally horrified when I saw him on TV begging for you to phone him and you continued to ignore him and blame him 💔💔💔💔,” and “Hope you feel the weight of this!!!! The guilt you will have!”

The collective outcry from the public underlines a deep-seated belief that Kody’s actions, or lack thereof, significantly contributed to Garrison’s tragic end.

The root of this blame seems to stem from a history of perceived neglect and favoritism within the Brown family. Last year, Garrison’s mother recalled her children’s feelings of inequality in their relationship with Kody and mentioned how they felt sidelined by him as he appeared to favor other members of their polygamous family.

“They felt like he was choosing one family over another,” Janelle shared, shedding light on the deep-seated issues within their family dynamic.

In a TLC video published in October last year, where the Brown family was discussing Kody’s relationships with his children, she further explained, “I can observe that Kody seems to have trouble relating to his older children, and he seems to dote on the younger children, and when my children were younger,[…] his guidance mattered to them […] Now, because they question it a little bit, I think it might be harder for Kody to feel like he’s respected.”

This narrative was further highlighted when the same video showed a clip of Garrison Brown discussing his life achievements, like buying a home and car, all of which Kody seemed unaware of or uninterested in. In response to these portrayals, Kody claimed he had reached out to his sons on two occasions, and expressed his belief that Garrison and his brother Gabriel were not interested in engaging with him.

The Brown family patriarch also previously spoke about feeling “powerless” as a father figure and admitted that his family had begun to “unravel” due to their inability to work through differences and varying perspectives.

As the Brown family navigates through this difficult time, the dialogue surrounding Garrison’s death raises important questions about the responsibilities of parenthood, the challenges of growing up in a divided household, and the impact of reality TV and fame on personal relationships. The young adult’s passing has left a void in the hearts of many, including his family, friends, and fans around the world.

As previously reported on March 6:

The Flagstaff Police Department, responding to a distressing call on the morning of March 5, 2024, arrived at Robert’s residence to a tragic scene. The 25-year-old, who had established his independence with his own home after moving away from his family, was found deceased.

Lieutenant Charles M. Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department disclosed that Robert’s younger brother, Gabriel, age 22, made the heart-wrenching discovery. The preliminary investigation suggests a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with no indication of foul play. As the Flagstaff PD continues their meticulous investigation, the absence of any apparent foul play leads them to approach this as an apparent suicide.

Robert’s journey on “Sister Wives” commenced in 2010, at the inception of the series. Viewers were introduced to the polygamous family, with Robert’s father, Kody Brown, at the helm, married to multiple wives, including Robert’s mother, Janelle Brown. The show not only captured the dynamics of Kody’s relationships but also highlighted the upbringing and lives of the Brown children, with Robert becoming a familiar, endearing fixture.

The recent years saw changes in the Brown family dynamic, including the divorce of Janelle and Kody in the previous year. Despite the changes, the children’s bond throughout the adversity remained resolute. The children often posted one another on social media, with Robert being no exception.

Robert’s passage into adulthood was marked by a commendable interest in serving his country. Initially aspiring to join the Army, Robert found his calling with the National Guard, a commitment that spoke volumes of his character and his desire to contribute to something greater than himself.

TLC, home to the series that chronicled Robert’s upbringing and his family’s unique lifestyle, released a statement expressing their devastation at the news of Robert’s passing. The network extended their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family during this extraordinarily painful time.

Janelle shared poignant photos of her son on Instagram during his time of service, her words painting a portrait of a mother’s love and a tribute to a life cut tragically short. “Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” her caption read. “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.”

In a solemn acknowledgment of their bereavement, Robert’s family chose his own Instagram platform to communicate the news. A statement read, “Our beloved brother/son Robert (aka Garrison) passed late last night. We appreciate the love and support from all those who have given it.” It concluded with a plea for privacy during their time of profound grief.