Matthew Livelsberger, a former special forces soldier, tragically took his own life last week in a Cybertruck. The 37-year-old fatally shot himself and detonated low-grade explosives outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
According to the Daily Beast, Livelsberger was referred to as the” Candy Guy” for his philanthropic work in Afghanistan, where he won the hearts of local children by distributing gifts and treats despite the harsh realities of war.
Livelsberger’s trip reflects his acts of kindness and courage in Afghanistan, his battles with mental wellness after his return, and the horrible events that emerged, including his role in questionable attacks.
‘ Candy person ‘
Livelsberger’s function in Afghanistan immediately earned him the love of local children, who called him” Chocolate Man” because of his generosity. His unit’s speaker, Fardin Fetwat, recalled how Livelsberger had spread sweets and resources to Afghan kids, helping them feel happiness amid the harsh realities of war. ” He love the children and the kids like him”, Fetwat said.
Livelsberger’s history
In 2009, during his second implementation to Afghanistan, the then-22-year-old man from Ohio organised a donation drive for Afghan children. Along with his mother’s assist in covering the shipping charges, he managed to send 200 stuffed animals, 100 notes, and 50 set of crayons and pen to Forward Operating Base Airborne in Wardak Province.
Livelsberger made a pledge to give the funds to children in need. In an email to his local newspaper, The Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum, Livelsberger wrote,” I promise you it will be in the hands of a child in need that would not receive it otherwise”.
He was determined to make a difference, despite the risks of operating in a combat zone. ” You get shot at in some places, so they must come to you”, he said according to the Daily Beast.
Heroic acts in combat
During intense combat missions, Livelsberger put his life on the line to protect others. One of the most memorable moments was during a mortar attack, when he rushed to wake Fetwat, who didn’t know danger was near.’ He saved my life,’ Fetwat said, recalling how Livelsberger kept him safe from explosions and attacks
A mentor beyond battlefield
Livelsberger’s acts went beyond kindness. He recognised that Fetwat, although a skilled translator, couldn’t read or write in English. He took it upon himself to instruct him. Fetwat recalls the computer Livelsberger gave him, saying,” He bought it for me with his own money.” ” He will teach me one hour a day how to read, how to write”.
Struggling with trauma
Despite his strong bonds with the people of Afghanistan, Livelsberger’s life took a darker turn after his deployments. In 2011, after returning from the Republic of Congo, he seemed to struggle with personal issues, including a divorce. His mental health worsened, and he sought help for depression, especially after the stress of his time in conflict zones.
Livelsberger was stationed in Germany by the end of the year after returning from a deployment to Georgia in February. Although he had a successful career and received five Bronze Stars for bravery, he started to feel the psychological effects of war. He endured numerous explosions and combat and suffered from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
I needed to clear my mind, I said.
During a holiday break in Colorado Springs, Livelsberger began to spiral. He spoke with a former army nurse who recognized the symptoms of PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Livelsberger recalled the numerous brothers he had lost during battle in his final years of life and described his mental struggles. One note found on his phone said,” I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.”
Livelsberger ‘ final moments
On New Year’s Day, 2024, Livelsberger took a rented Tesla Cybertruck and travelled to Las Vegas. He exploded explosives outside the Trump International Hotel, causing a fatal shot to himself after the incident, which he fueled with camping fuel and fireworks.
The blast injured seven people, but miraculously no one died. ” This was not a terrorist attack”, one note from his phone clarified. ” It was a wake-up call. Only spectacles and violence are the focus of American attention. What better way would I say” I’m trying to make my point across than a stunt involving fireworks and explosives”?
The toll of war
As Livelsberger’s tragic end unfolded, more details emerged, including his role in controversial airstrikes during his final deployment. In 2019, he claimed that he helped target methamphetamine labs in Afghanistan, which led to the deaths of 39 civilians, including 14 children. Later, the airstrikes were declared illegal by the UN, raising questions about the cost of Livelsberger’s actions during the war.
