Las Vegas, NV — A catastrophic explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day resulted in injuries to seven people and the death of a U.S. Army soldier. Authorities identified the deceased as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, who is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound moments before the explosion occurred.
Livelsberger was on holiday leave from his military post in Germany at the time of the incident. He had been living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his recent wife, whom he married in 2022, their eight-month-old daughter, and other family members. His broader life encompassed numerous ties to Ohio, where he had significant personal and residential connections.
A Colorado Springs resident, Livelsberger originally hailed from Crawford County, Ohio. He graduated from Bucyrus High School in 2005, where he was recognized as a student-athlete. He later went on to marry his first wife in Franklin County, Ohio, in 2012 and owned a home in Summit County, Ohio, where he bought a residence for his mother in Cuyahoga Falls in 2019.
The soldier enlisted in the military in 2006 after recovering from a football-related injury. His military and family records reflect no political affiliations or indications of extremist beliefs or mental health issues. His father, speaking about their last conversation over Christmas, indicated that Livelsberger appeared normal and retained his longstanding love for America.
The FBI, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, is conducting an extensive investigation into the explosion, treating it as a potential act of terrorism. According to FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans, the motive for the explosion is currently undetermined, but the investigation is extending both domestically and internationally. This includes executing search warrants, conducting witness interviews, and collecting forensic evidence to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Tesla’s response to the incident was addressed by Elon Musk on the social media platform X, where he highlighted the unusual nature of the situation. Musk confirmed that Tesla’s senior management team is diligently reviewing the incident to better understand the circumstances and to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Family and community members are still coming to grips with the tragedy as investigations continue, and details about motivations or potential preventative measures are examined. The incident has sparked broader discussions concerning vehicle safety and security measures, as well as concerns regarding the mental health and welfare of military personnel during and post-deployment. The Las Vegas community and the broader military family wait for answers as authorities work diligently to provide closure on this distressing event and ensure such incidents can be prevented in the future.