Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated US Army Special Forces soldier, tragically died by suicide in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1. Livelsberger, 37, had confided in his ex-girlfriend about his deep struggles with PTSD, stemming from his military service in Afghanistan, where he witnessed the deaths of fellow soldiers and was involved in taking lives.
Livelsberger, a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star, had a stellar military career that spanned over 19 years, including time with the Green Berets. Despite his distinguished service, he faced mental health challenges, particularly after his deployments to combat zones. His ex-girlfriend, Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse, said Livelsberger opened up to her about the emotional toll his experiences took on him, including vivid memories of violence, depression, and chronic insomnia. He even shared a graphic tattoo symbolizing the lives he took during his service—two skulls pierced by bullets—indicating the weight of his trauma.
Livelsberger had recently sought treatment for depression within the Army, but Arritt suggested that the help he received may not have been sufficient. She described his struggles with symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including withdrawal, depression, and memory loss, which were apparent as early as 2018.
The incident, which injured seven people, raised questions about the symbolism behind Livelsberger’s actions. While some speculated that the explosion outside the Trump Hotel was politically motivated, Arritt clarified that Livelsberger held no ill will toward the former president and had been a fan of Tesla, a bond they shared.
Livelsberger’s tragic end highlights the deep mental health challenges faced by many veterans, especially those in elite military units where mental health stigma remains high. Arritt expressed that he had been reluctant to seek help due to fears it would affect his career, reflecting the tough culture within the military around acknowledging mental health issues.
