A Mother’s Last Conversation

The sting of loss is a pain that transcends words, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Janelle Brown. The memory of March 4, 2024, is etched into her heart, not as a day of premonition, but as a seemingly ordinary day, the calm before the storm. Janelle, known for her role in the reality series “Sister Wives,” had recently relocated to North Carolina to be closer to her daughter Madison and her family. That day, she was traveling back to Flagstaff, Arizona, and maintained her usual pattern of texting with her son, Garrison. Their communication was frequent, a testament to the close bond they shared. They would often talk several times a day, a routine that offered comfort and connection. Janelle always made it a point to respond to Garrison’s messages, understanding his struggles with anxiety and depression. She knew these battles all too well, and her instinct was always to offer a listening ear, a supportive word.

That day, their conversation was unremarkable, yet it held the weight of their connection. It was simply a check-in, a way to maintain their bond. Garrison’s responses eventually stopped, which was not entirely unusual, as she knew he struggled with cycles of drinking. When she laid down for bed that night, she felt a sense of unease, knowing that he had been drinking. She reached out to Garrison’s brothers, Logan and Hunter, asking them to check in on him. She trusted them and went to sleep, unaware of the tragedy that awaited her.

The next morning, the world shattered. Gabriel, Garrison’s brother, found him. The words that followed, “Mom, he’s gone,” were a gut punch. Garrison had died by suicide. In the aftermath, Janelle’s world became a blur of shock and grief. She rushed to Garrison’s home, calling her daughter Maddie along the way. Family members rallied around her, offering support in any way they could. Janelle’s sister-in-law, Meri, hurried to offer food and comfort. In the wake of such devastation, the family grappled with the reality of their loss, a pain they had fought so hard to prevent. Garrison’s death was a stark reminder of the silent battles people face, of the urgent need for understanding, and of the enduring power of love in the face of heartbreak.

The Struggles Behind the Smile

Garrison’s life was marked by struggles that often remained hidden. As Janelle shared with her younger sister, Carrie, Garrison battled both anxiety and depression. These internal struggles led him to self-medicate with alcohol, which unfortunately became a destructive force in his life. Janelle and the rest of the family had done everything they could to help him. They knew he was in a dark place, but they were unable to pull him out of it. Janelle and Kody decided to cremate Garrison, a decision that honored his wishes. They planned to hold a funeral at a more suitable time of year. Garrison’s final resting place is on the family’s plot in Wyoming, a place he loved. It was a fitting tribute.

Kody, too, felt the need to honor his son. In a moment of shared grief, he said that he wanted to take his boy home and bury him next to his grandmother, Cheryl. They both agreed that it was the right thing to do. The family’s grief is a reminder of the profound impact of mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help and support. Garrison’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, a testament to a life that was loved, even when it was most difficult.

Remembering the Brown Family

The Brown family, known for their reality TV show, is a large and complex unit, with each member carrying their own unique story and role within the family. Garrison’s passing has cast a long shadow, prompting reflection on the lives of his siblings, parents, and the broader family. Understanding the family dynamics provides a glimpse into the support system that Garrison had, and the relationships that helped shape him.

Logan Taylor Brown

Born on May 21, 1994, Logan is the oldest son of Kody and Janelle. He holds the distinction of being the eldest of the 18 children in Kody’s expansive family. Logan earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada in 2020 and married Michelle Petty two years later.

Aspyn Kristin Thompson (née Brown)

Aspyn, the eldest child of Kody and Christine, was born on March 14, 1995. Also a University of Nevada alum, Aspyn married Mitch Thompson in 2018, and she announced her pregnancy in April 2025.

Leon “Leo” Brown

Born on July 29, 1995, Leon is the only child of Kody and Meri. Leon came out as transgender in 2020, sharing their journey of self-discovery. Leon married Audrey Kiss in 2020 in a Colorado courthouse wedding.

Mykelti Ann Padron (née Brown)

Mykelti, the second child of Kody and Christine, was born on June 9, 1996. She married Antonio “Tony” Padron in 2016 in a wedding ceremony documented on “Sister Wives.” The couple are parents to daughter Avalon and twin sons Archer and Ace.

Madison Rose Brush (née Brown)

Born on Nov. 3, 1995, Madison is Janelle’s second child with Kody. She married Caleb Brush in 2016 after studying at Utah State University. The pair share children Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine.

Hunter Elias Brown

Janelle and Kody welcomed Hunter on February 9, 1997. Hunter graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2020 and studied nursing at Johns Hopkins University.

Paedon Rex Brown

Christine gave birth to Paedon on August 7, 1998. He is the third child of Kody and Christine.

Robert Garrison Brown

Born on October 31, 1998, Garrison was Kody and Janelle’s third youngest child. He died by suicide on March 5, 2024, at the age of 25. His passing underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support.

David “Dayton” Preston Brown

Dayton is the oldest child of Kody’s fourth wife, Robyn Brown, from her past marriage with Preston Jessop. He was adopted into the family in 2015, five years after Robyn spiritually married Kody. In 2014, Kody legally divorced his first wife, Meri, to marry Robyn and officially adopt Dayton as his son.

Gabriel Winn Brown

Gabriel, nicknamed Gabe, is the fifth child of Kody and Janelle, born on October 11, 2001.

Gwendlyn Genielle Queiroz (née Brown)

Born on October 15, 2001, Gwendlyn is the fourth child of Kody and Christine. Gwendlyn married Beatriz Queiroz in 2023.

Aurora Alice Brown

Aurora is Robyn’s second oldest child. She was legally adopted by Kody in 2015 after he married Robyn the prior year.

Ysabel Paige Brown

Kody and Christine welcomed their fifth child together on June 13, 2003. Her struggles with scoliosis have been documented on “Sister Wives.”

Breanna Rose Brown

Breanna is Robyn’s third child from her marriage to Preston. After Robyn married Kody, Breanna and her older siblings were legally adopted into the family.

Savanah Brown

Kody and Janelle welcomed their youngest child together on December 7, 2004. The exes reunited for Savanah’s high school graduation in 2023.

Truely Grace Brown

Born on April 13, 2010, Truely is the youngest child of Kody and Christine.

Solomon Kody Brown

Kody and Robyn welcomed their second youngest son on October 27, 2011.

Ariella Mae Brown

Born on January 10, 2016, Ariella is the youngest daughter of Kody and Robyn. She is also the youngest of the 18 children in the Brown family.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

The Long Road of Healing

The Brown family’s experience with Garrison’s death is a painful reminder of the invisible struggles that many people face. It underscores the need for open conversations about mental health, for destigmatizing mental illness, and for ensuring that those in need have access to the resources and support they require. The family’s willingness to share their story is a testament to their resilience, their love for Garrison, and their desire to help others who may be struggling. Janelle’s words, filled with both sorrow and strength, offer comfort to those who have suffered similar losses. Her message is one of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of familial love. The Brown family’s story offers a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need to reach out to those who may be suffering in silence. In the wake of their tragedy, the family’s openness serves as a powerful call to action, urging society to confront the realities of mental health and to offer support to those who are hurting. Their loss is a shared burden, a call for empathy, and a testament to the enduring bonds of family in the face of unimaginable grief. The family’s journey of healing will be a long one, but their openness serves as a beacon of hope for those who may be walking a similar path.