Matt Brown died earlier today. He was, I believe, 46 years old.
Matt was born in Portland in 1964. He served a mission in Spokane, Washington, and later earned a B.A. in history from BYU. He became an incredibly prolific author of works on Mormonism, mostly through Covenant Communications. His publications include the following:
Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration (1997 – Covenant Communications)
The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple (1999 – Covenant Communications)
All Things Restored: Evidences and Witnesses of the Restoration (2000 – Covenant Communications)
The Plan of Salvation: Doctrinal Notes and Commentary (2002 – Covenant Communications)
Plates of Gold: The Book of Mormon Comes Forth (2003 – Covenant Communications)
Joseph Smith: The Man, The Mission, The Message (2004 – Covenant Communications)
Receiving Gifts of the Spirit (2005 – Covenant Communications)
Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium (2006 – Covenant Communications)
A Pillar of Light: The History and Message of the First Vision (2009 – Covenant Communications)
Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons (2009 – Covenant Communications)
I knew Matt mainly through a number of presentations he gave at FAIR Conferences over the years, the most recent being on the Adam-God Doctrine in 2009. I didn’t always agree with Matt, but I always respected his knowledge and commitment to the study of Mormonism.
Funeral arrangements are pending. He is survived by his wife Jaimie. As one might imagine, this illness entailed substantial expenses for which the family was not prepared. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, FAIR has set up a donations page for anyone who would like to make a contribution to the family. A memorial page has also been established on Facebook.
Matt, you were a gentleman and a scholar; Godspeed on your new journey in realms you thought and wrote so much about.
By Common Consent, a Mormon Blog 
Very sad.
Condolences to Matthew’s family and friends.
Matt collapsed at BYU on September 23rd. He spent 13 days in intensive care before passing away. He has no insurance, and leaves behind a widow, Jaimie. A donation to help her with the massive expenses she will not doubt incur would be most appreciated.
Wow. I never knew Matt well but his wife used to cut my hair. That’s pretty shocking.
I am crushed. Matt still had many ideas and books in him, especially about the temple and was a great guy. I will always remember his hearty welcome to me as “Brother Bradley” when I was rebaptized into the Church. I am really disappointed I didn’t get to know him better, and I feel terrible for his family and sad for the rest of us who would have benefited from his further writings and association.
Sad day and as I wrote elsewhere, I hope his family finds comfort in Christ
I am grateful for his plain explanations, his ability to write that draws you in, and his positive influence. Peace to his family.
Sad news. I fondly remember listening to and discussing some tapes based upon his ‘Plan of Salvation’ book whilst a Missionary.
This is really sad news; Matthew was a very dear friend to the Joseph Smith Jr., Family. We send our deepest sympathy and love to his family. He will be missed by so many as he blessed all our lives so very much.
My condolences as well.
My heartfelt condolences. He was a great guy, and I appreciated his scholarship over the years.
My prayers are with his family.
I received this update from Matt Roper:
There will be a brief service for Matthew Brown at the grave site tomorrow (Friday) at the Orem City Cemetery at 1 P.M.
There will also be a memorial service next Saturday for the general public probably at the Carterville Chapel in Provo (our home ward). We do not yet have the time, but we will announce it once things clarify a bit.
SO what did he die of?
Stillconfused- The doctors have been unable to determine the cause of his initial collapse or death.
Matt Browne is brilliant; I loved his FAIR LDS presentations. This is very sad news.
Matt was my cousin and a friend of many years. I will miss his excitement as he shared with me new findings!
Paul Thomas Smith
@Paul Thomas Smith – Jamie has been trying to reach you since yesterday. Her cell phone number is in a note on your facebook account – could you please call her?
And she would like to thank everyone for their very kind comments. Information will be posted tomorrow on the facebook page about the memorial service which will be held Saturday, October 15.
Update: The Memorial Service for Matthew Brown will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Family will be available at 12:00 if you wish to pay your respects.
The service is at the Carterville LDS Chapel, 960 West 2150 North in Provo. You must take Carterville Road to reach the church building, and Carterville Rd. does not intersect University Parkway as indicated when you use Map Quest (it is a bridge overhead when you are on the parkway).
My thoughts and prayers are with Jamie and family, I was honoured to have met Matthew and Jamie at Seagull book in Idaho Falls a few times. You will be missed, love you and God bless xoxox
your friend Jaime Scott