Unveiling the Truth: Why Trista Sutter Left Special Forces So Suddenly

Trista Sutter’s departure from Special Forces seemed sudden during the broadcast, but there were numerous underlying factors that viewers were unaware of in the January 15 episode.

“When I returned from the beach on the first day, I was experiencing hypothermic shock. My lips were turning blue in the vehicle ride back. It was serious. I felt incredibly lethargic,” Sutter, 53, disclosed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. “It was genuinely frightening.”

Shortly into Wednesday’s episode, the original Bachelorette expressed her desire to leave to the Special Forces team. Sutter explained that she came to this decision following an unseen mirror room segment.

“I really aimed to make it to the end. I truly did. I was not someone who wanted to simply show up and collect a paycheck after the first day, you know? I sought to push myself as much as I could, and I viewed this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance, particularly the mirror room segment, which I was eager to experience,” she stated to Us. “I expected to be farther along, but due to my situation, they brought me in, allowing me to forge a genuine connection with Billy [Billingham] and Q [Jovon Quarles].”

Sutter also remembered her connection with soldier Rudy Reyes.

“On the beach, I approached Rudy and said, ‘I think I’m going to faint.’ And he replied, ‘So, what do you want to do?’ I responded, ‘I would really like to see a medic.’ And he said, ‘Well, if you see a medic, you’re choosing to withdraw voluntarily.’ … He added, ‘I’m sorry, you have to either withdraw or keep going.’ And I replied, ‘Alright, I’m not ready to go home,’” she recounted to Us. “So, I persevered, and after the mirror room, he told me, ‘I’m really proud of you. I thought you were going to quit on the beach, but you didn’t, and that’s incredibly important. I am so proud of you.’”

Sutter expressed that the acknowledgment she received from the Directing Staff (DS) was gratifying — indicating that she may have accomplished her goals, despite her speedy exit from the show.

“They recognized that I was giving my all — even if my all didn’t match the capabilities of the professional athletes and Carey Hart, I was doing my utmost,” she elaborated. “Just knowing that they perceived my effort meant a lot. I have immense respect for them and their service to our country [and] their nations. Connecting with them was very significant to me.”

The reality television personality elaborated on her choice to leave the show, mentioning that she took a long shower to regain warmth after her return from the beach.

“Before we resumed filming, I noticed the number 444, and I believe in angel numbers, guardian angels, and God, holding strong faith,” she stated. “I entered this experience with the belief that my guardian angels were watching over me and went to sleep. I woke up to the cacophony of explosions — we all did — and a wave of calm enveloped me, as if to say, ‘You’re alright. You’ve gained much from these two days.’ Even though it was just two days, I felt like I experienced a lifetime.”

Sutter also mentioned that the crew cautioned her that conditions would intensify if she continued on the show.

“And it was already extremely difficult!” she added. “The moments in between — running with a pack weighing a third of my body weight — were exceptionally tough. I’ve never considered myself a runner, and those were the hardest parts, while the tasks were something I was genuinely excited about and believed I performed well in, even if I didn’t pass technically.”

Through her experience on the show, Sutter expressed a desire not to become a “burden” to her fellow contestants.

“I aimed to push my limits without placing an undue burden on others,” she commented to Us. “They didn’t need to assist me. Golden [Tate] was seen carrying my pack — you could spot it in one scene by the bridge — managing two packs simultaneously, one of which was mine. I vividly remember telling him, ‘I think it’s time for me to go.’ And he was like, ‘Are you certain?’ This was during a time when we were dashing around getting ready to, essentially, go.”

Sutter emphasized that although her time on the show was brief, it was highly rewarding. She acknowledged that fellow contestant Denise Richards, who also left early, likely shared similar sentiments.

“I hold a great deal of respect for what Denise managed to achieve, even though she was the second one to exit,” Sutter remarked. “Each participant had their unique purpose for being there. Everyone has their individual motivations for leaving, which doesn’t diminish who they are or what they intended to achieve.”

Sutter concluded by stating that she regained her “confidence” — both as an individual and as an athlete — through her participation in the series.

“I discovered that I can overcome challenges if I set my mind to it. Part of me wishes I had stayed longer, especially after witnessing everything they’ve experienced,” she reflected. “Yet, I continually remind myself of how I felt at that moment and the sense of peace that came over me, as well as how I was able to confront challenges, enjoy the experience, and connect with others. I strive to appreciate all of that but it isn’t easy. I would love to wake up and say, ‘Yeah, whatever. Forget that feeling. Keep going!’”

Special Forces airs on Fox Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.