A military tribute ended in tragedy at San Antonio’s Alamodome when a US Air Force service member died following a fall during a pregame rappelling demonstration.
The incident occurred in front of over 23,000 spectators prior to Saturday’s college football game between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Navy.
Air Force identifies deceased service member
Officials identified the deceased Airman as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran originally from Fort Stewart, Georgia. Patterson was attached to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2.
During the pregame “Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans” ceremony, he began an uncontrolled descent from the stadium rafters – roughly 170 feet above the field – and struck the ground hard.
Investigation launched into safety protocols
Emergency medical crews rushed onto the field to administer treatment before transporting Patterson to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.
Stadium leadership and Air Force officials expressed deep condolences to his family and military colleagues.
The US Air Force has launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the fall and evaluate whether safety gear and protocols were properly followed during the demonstration.
