Janelle Brown, a well-known figure from TLC’s Sister Wives, recently opened up about the painful loss of her son Garrison Brown, who tragically died by suicide at the age of 25. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Janelle revealed that Garrison’s struggle with substance abuse played a significant role in his untimely death, leaving her family devastated.
Janelle Brown’s Candid Interview About Garrison’s Struggles
In the interview, Janelle shared her heartbreak, explaining that her son had been battling substance abuse. Despite their efforts to provide him with resources, love, and support, Garrison ultimately couldn’t overcome his addiction. Janelle’s words are filled with sorrow and regret as she reflects on the unimaginable pain of losing a child.
“I don’t know what we could have done differently,” Janelle told PEOPLE, expressing her feelings of helplessness. She acknowledged that substance abuse was one of the main contributing factors, describing how Garrison had so much going for him, yet the battle with addiction was too great for him to overcome.
Substance Abuse: A Silent Battle
The Brown family’s experience is a stark reminder of the silent battles many face with substance abuse. Janelle described Garrison as happy and full of life, making it hard to comprehend the inner turmoil he must have experienced. Although they had regular conversations about his struggles and offered him countless resources to help, Garrison couldn’t escape the grasp of addiction.
Janelle’s words echo a sentiment shared by many families who have lost loved ones to substance abuse. She explained, “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.” Despite the family’s love and support, the weight of addiction proved too heavy.
Garrison’s Tragic Passing
On March 5, Garrison was found dead in his Arizona home. His younger brother, Gabriel, was the one who discovered him. The news of his passing shocked the family, and the local authorities later confirmed that Garrison’s death was the result of suicide.
Janelle has spoken openly about the difficulty of processing her grief, sometimes questioning if there was more she or others could have done. However, she acknowledges that “grief traps” like these are a common, yet painful, part of the mourning process.
The Ripple Effect on the Brown Family
The death of Garrison has left a profound impact on the Brown family. Alongside Garrison, Janelle and Kody Brown share five other children: Maddie, Logan, Hunter, Savannah, and Gabriel. The entire family has been grieving, with each member coping in their own way.
Janelle has been especially open about the profound emptiness that her son’s death has left in her life. On what would have been Garrison’s 26th birthday, Janelle posted a heart-wrenching tribute, expressing how much she misses him. “I still feel you nearby sometimes,” she wrote, capturing the pain of loss and the comfort that comes with the hope of being reunited in the future.
Coping With Loss and Addiction: A Universal Struggle
The Brown family’s story is a stark example of how addiction can devastate even the closest and most loving families. Despite being in the public eye, Janelle’s openness about Garrison’s struggles brings to light the realities many families face behind closed doors. Substance abuse often leaves families feeling powerless, questioning if they could have done more. However, as Janelle pointed out, addiction is a personal battle that sometimes can’t be won despite the best efforts of loved ones.
Her candid reflections serve as a reminder that those who suffer from addiction need support but ultimately make their own decisions. Families can offer resources, love, and guidance, but sometimes that’s not enough to change the outcome.
Conclusion
The loss of Kody and Janelle Brown’s son, Garrison, is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that substance abuse can have on individuals and their families. Janelle’s honest and heartfelt interview sheds light on the complex emotions surrounding grief, addiction, and the feelings of helplessness that many parents endure.
As the Brown family continues to mourn the loss of Garrison, they’ve expressed a desire to honor his memory while spreading awareness about the challenges of addiction. Janelle’s words resonate with many who have experienced similar struggles, reminding us all that addiction can strike anyone, and that support systems, while vital, don’t always guarantee a happy outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What role did substance abuse play in Garrison Brown’s death?
Substance abuse played a significant role in Garrison’s death, as revealed by Janelle Brown in an interview with PEOPLE. She mentioned that despite the family’s efforts to support and help Garrison, his addiction proved to be too overwhelming for him.
2. How did Garrison Brown die?
Garrison Brown tragically died by suicide in March at the age of 25. He was found dead in his Arizona home, and his brother Gabriel discovered him.
3. What has Janelle Brown said about Garrison’s death?
Janelle has spoken candidly about Garrison’s battle with substance abuse and the grief that followed his death. She expressed that while the family did everything they could to support him, addiction ultimately took his life.
4. How has the Brown family coped with Garrison’s passing?
The Brown family has been deeply affected by Garrison’s passing. Janelle has shared emotional tributes on social media, and the family continues to mourn while supporting each other through this tragic time.
5. What resources are available for people struggling with substance abuse and suicidal thoughts?
For those struggling with substance abuse, the SAMHSA helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP. For anyone considering suicide, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers help by dialing 988 or texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
