Sister Wives Recap – Kody Brown Talks Panic Attacks After Losing Son Garrison Brown

This week’s episode of Sister Wives took viewers on an emotional journey as Kody Brown opened up about the devastating grief he’s been experiencing following the loss of his son, Garrison Brown. The episode, filmed roughly four months after Garrison’s death in March 2024, tackled deeply personal themes including mental health, grief, and the complex dynamics of the Brown family. While heavy, it also highlighted how the family and community are finding ways to honor Garrison’s legacy.

Kody, now 56, was visibly shaken as he recounted the waves of grief that continue to crash over him. He admitted during the May 11th episode that when those waves come, he’s unable to escape them. “If I cry or sigh it out, I can sometimes shorten the pain,” he explained, “but when it hits, it hits hard.” Kody described how overwhelming the grief is—comparing it to having an anxiety attack—suddenly and deeply feeling as if he’ll never see Garrison again. These emotions stem not just from loss, but from regrets and unresolved tensions between father and son.

Before his passing, Garrison had become estranged from Kody due to disagreements, particularly about COVID-related restrictions. Their strained relationship left wounds that now seem unbearable for Kody. “There’s so much left unsaid,” he admitted, with tears welling in his eyes, “so much that will never be finished.” Kody also shared how Garrison’s presence remains constant in his life—his poster still hangs in the garage, a haunting daily reminder of what was and what could have been.

In a touching and symbolic gesture, Kody chose to bring Garrison’s ashes back to his own birthplace in Wyoming, where he buried them near Garrison’s grandparents. “I held him first. I rocked him to sleep,” Kody said as he choked up. This final act felt like closing a circle, giving father and son some sense of spiritual connection even in death. Janelle, Garrison’s mother and Kody’s former wife, shared that she also plans to be buried near her son when her time comes. It was a moment of solemn unity between two estranged co-parents who both loved their child dearly.

Janelle had her own heartfelt segment during the episode. She visited the High Country Humane Society in Flagstaff, Arizona—an organization close to Garrison’s heart. He had adopted several cats from the shelter and was known among his nursing school friends for his deep compassion toward animals. After his death, donations poured in, eventually totaling over $25,000. In Garrison’s honor, the shelter named their cat adoption room after him and sponsored 36 cat adoptions in March alone. Seeing the plaque and learning of the good done in Garrison’s name left Janelle speechless. “It feels like a legacy,” she whispered through tears. “I had to see it for myself.”

Beyond the emotional scenes, the episode served as a reminder of how grief manifests differently for everyone. The entire Brown family has been affected—siblings, parents, friends, and even those behind the scenes on the show. Many fans have expressed conflicting feelings about Kody’s role in Garrison’s life and the family’s dynamics. But the episode urges viewers not to place blame or judgment.

Mental health is a real and serious issue. Suicide is not something that can be traced to a single cause or person. It’s vital that we as viewers approach these topics with empathy, not finger-pointing. No one outside of Garrison’s immediate circle can fully understand his struggles or those of his family. The show made it clear that every person—whether part of the Brown family or someone who knew Garrison personally—has been affected in life-altering ways.

While some might feel compelled to criticize Kody or question his actions, this episode emphasized compassion over critique. Grief is not linear, and everyone processes it differently. Whether it’s Kody experiencing anxiety attacks or Janelle seeking healing through her son’s legacy, each person deserves the space to mourn in their own way.

Importantly, viewers were also reminded not to exploit grief for entertainment. With mental illness being such a prevalent issue, content creators and fans alike were called to rise above the noise—to resist blaming, shaming, or speculating for clicks and views. Instead, the focus should be on honoring Garrison’s life and raising awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional well-being.

In closing, the episode was a heavy but important reminder of life’s fragility and the impact one person can have on a community. Garrison’s passing has left a permanent void in the Brown family, but his memory continues to inspire love and charity. From a small cat adoption room in Arizona to the rolling hills of Wyoming, his spirit lives on.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that you’re not alone. There is help available, and it’s okay to ask for it. Let this episode be more than just a moment of mourning—let it be a call for empathy, for open conversations, and for healing.