Fans of TLC's Sister Wives received some devastating news with the confirmed suicide of Kody Brown's son Garrison.
Police say that Garrison, 25, shot himself in the head.
He was found dead by his younger brother Gabe, 22, after Garrison sent some texts that alarmed their mother, Janelle.
A concerning text from Garrison read, "I want to hate you for sharing the good times. But I can’t. I miss these days.”
The message was sent in a group chat to people involved with the show. Janelle caught wind of the message and reached out to her son, engaging in a brief text conversation until Garrison abruptly stopped responding.
That's when Janelle urged her son Gabe to check on his brother.
Garrison was estranged from his father, the polygamous patriarch at the center of the reality series. Garrison was introduced to viewers in the show's first season, which aired in 2010.
The show's recent seasons have featured the breakdown of many relationships within the family. Kody separated from three of his partners, Janelle, Meri, and Christine, and was accused of showing favoritism toward his youngest and sole remaining wife, Robyn Brown.
During the COVID pandemic, Garrison and Gabe grew estranged from their father over his rigid pandemic protocols. Kody said he was trying to protect his family, but the rules caused immense strain.
The boys' mother recalled the toll that isolation was having on them.
“I have worried about my boys’ mental health,” Janelle said during one episode. “Gabe feels everything very very deeply ... and Garrison just seems angrier, sadder. He’s not as happy-go-lucky as he used to be."
Kody expressed regret over the rift, but reconciliation never came.
Garrison and Gabe had moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where Garrison ultimately took his life.
Police interviewed Garrison's roommates, who said they heard a noise Monday night but thought nothing of it. The next day, Gabe made the horrible discovery.
Garrison's roommates also said he had an alcohol problem.
Kody and Janelle confirmed the tragic news of their son's death in identical statements over Instagram.
"He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. Our 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,” they wrote.
