LAS VEGAS. Authorities have identified the driver of a Tesla Cybertruck involved in an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. The driver, who tragically lost his life, has been named as Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army soldier from Colorado Springs. Seven other individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday morning and involved items stored in the vehicle’s bed. Law enforcement officials stated that Livelsberger acted alone. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and any potential motives.
The FBI has found no evidence connecting the Las Vegas explosion to a separate New Year’s Day incident in New Orleans. Items recovered from the vehicle include military identification, travel documents, and personal belongings. DNA analysis is being conducted to confirm the driver’s identity due to the remains’ condition.
Livelsberger, on approved leave at the time of the incident, was a decorated member of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Officials revealed that he had served five combat deployments to Afghanistan and received valor awards.
A relative described him as “a soldier’s soldier” who had aspired to serve in the military from a young age. The family expressed shock over the incident and stated there had been no indications of any unusual behavior leading up to the event.
Eyewitness Accounts and Safety Measuresafety precaution, relocating guests to nearby accommodations.
Eric Trump, representing the Trump Organization, praised the swift response of law enforcement and emergency services. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, has not yet commented on the matter.
The Cybertruck had been rented by Livelsberger through a car-sharing platform. The company has confirmed that all renters undergo standard background checks. Authorities are also examining Livelsberger’s travel history, which included stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, before arriving in Las Vegas.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest any broader threat to public safety. Sheriff McMahill stated, “We are working diligently to uncover the full details and ensure public confidence.”
The incident remains under investigation by federal and local authorities.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
