'Sister Wives' Janelle Brown reveals 'one of the biggest factors' in son Robert Garrison’s death

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA: In a heartfelt interview with People magazine released on September 11, Janelle Brown, star of 'Sister Wives,' discussed the challenges her late son, Robert Garrison Brown, endured before his suicide six months ago.

At 25, Garrison's struggle with substance abuse was the focal point of Janelle's emotional reflections.

Janelle opens up about her son Garrison's substance abuse

Reflecting on the circumstances leading up to Robert Garrison's death, Janelle Brown shared, “I think for him, I would say the substance abuse was really probably one of the biggest factors.”

Her voice carried the weight of a mother grappling with the deep complexities of her son's struggles, as she added, “I don’t know what we could have done differently.”

Throughout Garrison's battle with addiction, Janelle and her large family remained committed to supporting him. “We were always talking to him, we were loving him. All the things were there,” 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. And it just wasn’t for lack of love or lack of anything.”

The loss of Garrison, who was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Flagstaff, Arizona home on March 5, has left a profound impact on Janelle and her family.

The tragic discovery was made by Garrison’s younger brother, Gabriel Brown, who became concerned after receiving several unanswered text messages from Janelle.

In a police report obtained by In Touch, Janelle expressed regret for not securing more help for Garrison before his death.

Janelle also took to Instagram on Garrison's birthday writing, "Happy Birthday Sweetheart. We are missing you terribly today. It’s hard to believe you aren’t here anymore. We talked a lot about you today and even went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner (your favorite place 😀) I still feel you nearby sometimes. And I’m grateful we will."

Despite her grief, she remained introspective about their efforts, stating, “I think that’s a grief trap because I think ultimately everybody is responsible for their own actions and their own decisions. We did everything,” she noted. “We really did everything that we could have done. And unfortunately, sometimes that still isn’t enough."

Janelle and Kody Brown mourn the loss of their son

Following Robert Garrison's death, Janelle Brown and her ex-husband Kody Brown, both 55, issued a joint statement on social media.

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

As the premiere of 'Sister Wives' Season 19 approached, Janelle took to Instagram on September 5 to mark the six-month anniversary of Garrison's death.

Sharing a heartfelt post alongside a photo of them together, she wrote, “You come up in my photo memories almost every day. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re gone. And then I remember I won’t be getting a call or text from you and it all comes rushing back.”

“I know you fought hard but in the end, you just couldn’t stay. I love you so much and will see you again when my journey is done,” she added.