Gunnison, Colorado - Last Wednesday, Matt Brown - longtime river guide, adventurer, and pillar of the Gunnison Valley community- passed away tragically after an accident in Moab. Matt was so much to so many.  

Matt had been a river runner since the late 70’s. His passion for rivers and the right to float was unparalleled. As a owner of Scenic River Tours in Gunnison, CO he played an intricate role in teaching the people of Gunnison Valley and the surrounding areas the knowledge of river etiquette and preservation. Matt was involved in many battles to maintain access to rivers in the state of Colorado. He helped organize rallies, and worked with state legislators to protect our “right to float”. 

Matt loved to be on the water, whether it was fishing or running the gnar! Many of you in the whitewater community knew him and his lust for adventure. He will be missed by so many of us. But his spirit will always be with the river. 

At the request of his family and friends, contributions in Matt's memory can be made to American Whitewater’s River Access work in Colorado.  Matt was a strong ally and advisor in our work to protect the public’s rights to float and fish in the State.  We miss him immensely. 

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Contributions can be made in Matt's memory by mailing a check to American Whitewater, PO Box 1540, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or through our online donation page, please include "In memory of Matt Brown" in the additional comments block.