Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, who died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion outside Trump International Hotel, struggled with depression, pain, and symptoms consistent with traumatic brain injury (TBI) following deployments to Afghanistan.
Livelsberger confided in a former Army nurse girlfriend about his mental and physical exhaustion but avoided seeking help due to stigma in his unit. Authorities found no political motive behind his actions, describing them as symbolic and intentional.
His story highlights ongoing challenges in military mental health care, where stigma and fear of career repercussions often prevent soldiers from seeking critical support.
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