Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated Special Forces soldier who died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion on New Year’s Day, had confided in his former girlfriend about the profound pain and exhaustion he experienced, symptoms attributed to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alicia Arritt, who also served in the Army as a nurse, shared that Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret and a five-time Bronze Star recipient, had spoken candidly about his struggles during their relationship.

Livelsberger had an exemplary military career but grappled with mental health issues stemming from his service—specifically, the emotional toll of witnessing death and his involvement in combat. Despite recently seeking treatment for depression, details about his mental state suggest he bore a burden of invisible scars from his experiences in Afghanistan.

Arritt reported that Livelsberger had shown signs of TBI as early as 2018, experiencing memory loss, depression, and withdrawal symptoms. In intimate texts, he expressed feelings of being overwhelmed, stating, “My life has been a personal hell for the last year.” He even sent her a tattoo design reflecting the lives he felt responsible for taking in combat, a stark representation of his internal battles.

Following his death outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, authorities released notes indicating that the explosion was intended as a “wakeup call” for societal issues. Investigators clarified that Livelsberger did not harbor political motives against President-elect Donald Trump, but rather sought to “cleanse the demons” that haunted him.

Arritt, who met Livelsberger through a dating app in Colorado, described their relationship as one where Livelsberger was able to share his vulnerabilities with her. She recalled how they bonded over their shared interest in Tesla vehicles, but after a breakup in 2021, communication faded. Unexpectedly, he reached out shortly before his death, sending videos and cheerful messages about the Cybertruck, yet she noted seeing deeper symbolism in his actions.

Pentagon officials, while acknowledging Livelsberger’s tragic end, emphasized the importance of mental health support in the military. Sabrina Singh, Deputy Press Secretary at the Pentagon, reminded troops of available mental health resources, urging them to seek help if needed. However, both Arritt and Livelsberger himself felt that there was a pervasive stigma within the military against seeking mental health treatment, which hindered him from getting the care he so desperately needed.

As the military grapples with increasing rates of suicide among veterans, Livelsberger’s story has become a poignant reminder of the silent struggles many servicemen and women face upon returning home from combat. Issues like PTSD and the lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries demand greater awareness and action to ensure that those who serve receive adequate support.

For further details, refer to the full articles from AP News, Le Monde, HuffPost, LA Times, and VOA News.