The driver of a Tesla Cybertruck, identified as an active-duty military service member, died by suicide with a gunshot to the head before the vehicle exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada on January 2 identified the driver as Matthew Livelsberger, 37, an active-duty soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Authorities revealed that Livelsberger shot himself in the head with a firearm before the explosion. The severe injuries delayed the identification process, though police found a credit card, firearm purchase permit, and identification card at the scene.
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that Livelsberger was serving in the U.S. Army. Investigators discovered two firearms—a pistol and a rifle—inside the Cybertruck, both of which were "burned beyond recognition." The weapons were legally purchased on December 30, 2024.
Tesla's charging station data indicated that after renting the Cybertruck in Denver, Colorado, on December 28, Livelsberger drove through multiple cities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The vehicle first entered the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas parking area at approximately 7:30 AM on January 1, 2025.
He then left the area, drove along Las Vegas Boulevard, and returned to the parking spot at 8:39 AM. The Cybertruck exploded 17 seconds later, killing Livelsberger, the sole occupant, and injuring seven bystanders with minor wounds.
Investigators are working to determine how the materials inside the vehicle ignited following the driver’s suicide. The extensive damage caused by the fire is expected to delay the investigation.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Army confirmed Livelsberger was a Green Beret Special Forces soldier on leave after completing a deployment in Germany. He had been awarded several combat honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, representing operations he participated in while serving in Afghanistan.
Livelsberger was reportedly a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the investigation.
His wife told authorities that he left their home during the Christmas holiday following an argument over allegations of infidelity. She expressed her belief that Livelsberger had no intention of harming anyone.
(Source: ABC News, Reuters)
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