Green Beret’s Struggle with TBI Before Tragic New Year’s Death \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Green Beret and five-time Bronze Star recipient, died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion on New Year’s Day. He confided to a former Army nurse about his struggles with traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and the burdens of his military service. His death underscores the challenges of mental health stigma within elite military units.
Green Beret’s Struggle with TBI: Quick Looks
- Who Was Livelsberger? A 37-year-old decorated Green Beret with an exemplary military career, including five Bronze Stars.
- Challenges Faced: Endured significant mental and physical pain from his service, including symptoms of TBI.
- Confidant and Support: Shared his struggles with Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse experienced with TBI.
- Military Stigma: Hesitated to seek help due to fears it would harm his career.
- Final Days: Sent upbeat messages and videos of his Cybertruck before his tragic death.
- Pentagon’s Response: Encouraged service members to utilize mental health resources.
Deep Look
Matthew Livelsberger: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret, was the embodiment of courage and commitment. Over a military career marked by distinction, he earned five Bronze Stars, including one for valor under fire. His service placed him in some of the most dangerous regions of the world, where he witnessed and endured the brutal realities of combat. Despite his outward success, Livelsberger faced profound internal struggles that culminated in his tragic suicide on New Year’s Day.
Livelsberger’s death in a Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas has drawn attention to the silent battles many veterans face. It also highlights systemic issues related to mental health care in the military and the stigma that often prevents soldiers from seeking help.
Confiding in a Trusted Ally
Livelsberger found some solace in his relationship with Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse. The two met in 2018 through a dating app while both were in Colorado Springs. Arritt, who had treated soldiers with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) during her service, recognized the symptoms in Livelsberger early in their relationship.
“He would go through periods of withdrawal, and he struggled with depression and memory loss,” Arritt recalled. She described his reluctance to fully confront these issues, noting that he often downplayed his injuries as “just some concussions.”
Through text messages, Livelsberger opened a small window into his world. In one message, he shared an image of a tattoo depicting two skulls pierced by bullets—symbolic of lives he had taken during his deployments. He spoke of physical exhaustion, chronic pain, and sleepless nights haunted by memories of violence and loss. “My life has been a personal hell for the last year,” he once told Arritt.
The Invisible Wounds of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries are often called the “invisible wounds” of war. While outwardly undetectable, their effects can be debilitating and long-lasting, impacting memory, emotional regulation, and physical health. Arritt, who had firsthand experience treating such injuries, noted that the symptoms can emerge years after the initial trauma.
Livelsberger’s symptoms aligned with what she had seen in other soldiers: bouts of withdrawal, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. Yet despite her encouragement, he resisted seeking treatment. His hesitancy stemmed from a fear that being diagnosed with a serious condition could end his ability to deploy—a devastating prospect for a dedicated soldier.
“There was a lot of stigma in his unit,” Arritt explained. “Mental health was seen as a weakness, and weakness was not tolerated.” This toxic culture likely compounded Livelsberger’s struggles, leaving him to bear his burden in isolation.
The Final Days
Arritt and Livelsberger ended their relationship in 2021, but he reached out unexpectedly in late December 2024. His messages, sent on December 28 and December 31, seemed upbeat. He shared videos of himself driving the Cybertruck and demonstrating its unique features, including a light show synced to music. Yet beneath this facade of normalcy, Livelsberger was grappling with demons that would ultimately drive him to take his own life.
On January 1, 2025, Livelsberger intentionally drove the Cybertruck to the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, where it exploded. In messages left behind, he described his decision as both a “wake-up call” and a way to “cleanse the demons” that haunted him. The manner of his death and its location sparked speculation about possible political motives, but officials found no evidence to support this theory. According to Arritt, Livelsberger held no animosity toward political figures and was a fan of Tesla, much like herself.
The Broader Implications
Livelsberger’s death underscores the urgent need to address mental health challenges within the military. According to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Livelsberger had recently sought treatment for depression through the Army. However, the stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially in elite units like the Green Berets, often prevents soldiers from fully accessing the care they need.
Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh urged service members to utilize the mental health resources available to them. “If you feel that you need help, please seek the services that are available, either on base or off,” Singh said.
For Arritt, Livelsberger’s tragic end serves as a painful reminder of the military’s shortcomings in addressing mental health. “I don’t know what drove him to do this,” she said, “but I think the military didn’t get him help when he needed it.”
A Legacy of Strength and Struggle
Despite his struggles, Livelsberger was remembered by those who knew him as a man of integrity and resilience. Arritt described him as someone with a “deep well of inner strength” who was kind and caring, even amid his personal battles.
Livelsberger’s story is a sobering reflection of the cost of service, not only in terms of physical danger but also in the enduring psychological toll. His death calls attention to the pressing need for systemic change, both in reducing stigma and ensuring accessible, effective mental health care for all service members.
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