Trista Sutter Recalls ‘Turning Blue’ While in Hypothermic Shock on ‘Special Forces,’ Explains Exit (Exclusive)

Trista Sutter Shares Her Experience of Hypothermic Shock and Why She Left Special Forces Early (Exclusive)

Trista Sutter’s departure from Special Forces seemed sudden on the show, but there were significant events unfolding behind the scenes that viewers didn’t see during the January 15 episode.

Sutter, 53, opened up in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly about her experience. “After returning from the beach on the first day, I went into hypothermic shock. My lips were turning blue, and I was extremely lethargic in the vehicle,” she recalled. “It was really frightening.”

In the episode, the former Bachelorette expressed her desire to leave the show. Sutter explained that she realized it was time for her to exit after a pivotal moment that wasn’t shown on screen. “I really wanted to make it to the end,” she shared. “I didn’t sign up just to collect a paycheck; I wanted to challenge myself fully. I thought I would get further, but after what happened, I was pulled in and got to connect deeply with Billy [Billingham] and Q [Jovon Quarles].”

Sutter also reflected on her interactions with fellow contestant Rudy Reyes. She remembered, “On the beach, I told Rudy, ‘I think I’m going to faint.’ He asked what I wanted to do, and I said, ‘I’d like to see a medic.’ He explained that seeing a medic meant voluntarily withdrawing, and that wasn’t something I was ready for yet, so I kept going.”

Afterward, Rudy offered her words of encouragement, saying, “I’m really proud of you. I thought you would quit on the beach, but you didn’t. You kept pushing through, and that’s so important. I’m proud of you.”

Sutter found this validation from the Special Forces team meaningful. “They saw I was giving it my all, even though I wasn’t as strong as the professional athletes. Just knowing they recognized my effort meant a lot,” she said, adding, “I have so much respect for them and everything they’ve done for our country and others. It was important for me to connect with them on a human level.”

She also explained the moment she decided to leave the show. After warming up with a long shower, she had a spiritual experience. “I saw the number 444, which I believe signifies guardian angels and protection. I felt at peace and knew I had gained so much from those two days, even though they were brief.”

Sutter admitted the physical challenges were intense, especially the running portion of the tasks. “It was difficult for me, especially carrying a pack that was a third of my body weight,” she said. “But I pushed through and felt good about the effort, even if I didn’t technically pass.”

Throughout the process, she was careful not to be a burden to her teammates. She recalled moments when others helped her, like when Golden Tate carried part of her pack. “I didn’t want to be a burden, and I told him I might be leaving. He asked if I was sure, and at that moment, I knew it was time to go.”

Despite her early exit, Sutter found the experience fulfilling. “I gained so much respect for what others achieved and the reasons they were there,” she reflected. “Even Denise [Richards], who left second, had her own journey and purpose. It’s not about how long you stay, but what you gain from it.”

She added that her time on the show helped her regain confidence as both an individual and an athlete. “I learned that I can overcome hard challenges if I set my mind to it. Part of me regrets leaving when I did, especially seeing how far the others have come, but I also remember the peace I felt when I decided to leave. I’m grateful for the experience and the connections I made, even though it’s hard.”