An Air Force service member died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome ahead of The University of Texas at San Antonio's (UTSA) game against Navy.
The airman was identified as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The incident is under investigation.
Patterson, from Fort Stewart, Georgia, served 15 years and earned multiple military decorations, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal and Army Commendation Medal. In 2022, he was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level, according to the Air Force.
"This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing," Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, said in a statement: "Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together."
SKYDIVER'S PARACHUTE GETS STUCK ON SCOREBOARD AT VIRGINIA TECH SPRING GAME IN HARROWING SCENE
An investigation is underway after an airman lost control while descending from the rafters during the school’s annual Salute to Armed Forces ceremony. (@Qu4k3r0ats via X)
"Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these," Mills added. "We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown."
The demonstration was part of UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans pregame ceremony. Four officers were scheduled to rappel onto the field 15 minutes before kickoff.
The service member appeared to lose control during his descent, slid down the line, and crashed onto the turf. Medical personnel treated him onsite before transporting him by stretcher to a local hospital, where he later died.
The personnel involved in the demonstration are specialized tactical air controllers who embed with Army and Marine ground units to direct air and artillery strikes. Their operational training regularly includes rapid rope insertions from heights of 100 feet or more.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
Kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor called the incident "heartbreaking" and "tragic," noting the immediate shift inside the stadium.
A Navy Midshipmen player leans on his helmet during a timeout lightshow during the game between Navy and FAU at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., on Sept. 12. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"You could tell the energy was just gone," Coach Traylor said. "It just really puts things in perspective. It really does."
The American Conference released a statement, via OutKick senior CFB reporter Trey Wallace, explaining their decision to play the game following the tragedy.
UTSA Roadrunners head coach Jeff Traylor greets people before the game between the South Florida Bulls and the UTSA Roadrunners on Oct. 8, 2026, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In a public statement, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said:
"Our hearts are heavy following the tragic incident at the Alamodome prior to Saturday's UT San Antonio football game against the U.S. Naval Academy. What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness. I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member's family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy."
TRAVELERS UNITE IN POWERFUL MOMENT OF SILENCE AS FALLEN US SERVICE MEMBER RETURNS HOME
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also issued condolences via social media:
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an Air Force service member following an unfortunate accident at Saturday's UTSA-Navy football game. We will keep his family in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him."
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
