CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Brett Bonner served for more than two decades as a surfman in the U.S. Coast Guard, rescuing hundreds of people from dangerous waters before retiring in 2022. However, his family witnessed a troubling decline in his mental health after his departure from the service, culminating in his death by suicide in early 2025.

Bonner’s daughter, Kayleigh, recalls her father as a robust and outgoing man who appeared capable of handling extreme challenges. Over time, however, he began experiencing persistent headaches, insomnia, and memory problems. His behavior became increasingly erratic, including incidents of violence and arson within the family home.

Following his retirement at age 40, his condition deteriorated further. Kayleigh describes episodes in which her father shouted uncontrollably and, on one occasion, struck her grandfather. In the final months, Bonner set fires inside the living room, burning Coast Guard files among other items. On a winter evening in 2025, he left the house and took his own life in front of his family, who were unable to understand the reasons behind his actions. He left no note or explanation, prompting his family to bury him without a headstone, still searching for answers.

Kayleigh, now 18, has speculated that her father’s long years handling rescue operations amid harsh sea conditions may have contributed to his decline. Surfmen like Bonner navigate lifeboats through waves reaching heights of 25 feet, enduring repetitive physical impacts over time.

Experts have noted that repeated head trauma or exposure to extreme conditions in such roles could lead to brain injuries, sometimes undiagnosed or untreated. Despite emerging evidence of neurological damage among first responders and military personnel exposed to repetitive impacts, support and treatment avenues remain limited.

Bonner’s story highlights broader concerns about the mental and neurological health risks faced by rescue personnel, especially those involved in high-intensity operations. While the Coast Guard and related agencies provide some health services, families and advocates argue that more comprehensive screening, research, and care are needed for those exhibiting signs of traumatic brain injury and related disorders.

As Bonner’s family grieves and seeks understanding, they also hope their experience will draw attention to the hidden toll of rescue missions and the necessity for improved assistance for affected personnel.