The U.S. Air Force has identified Tech Sgt Ian Patterson as the airman who died following a rappelling accident at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, during a demonstration prior to a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game on Saturday. Patterson, a tactical air control party instructor assigned to the Sixth Combat Training Squadron, Detachment Two, at Joint Base San Antonio, fell from the rafters during the pregame event.

Patterson, a resident of Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served in the Air Force for 15 years and was recognized as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level in 2022. He had also received the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters among other decorations. According to a statement released by Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and attributed to Brig Gen Scott C. Mills, commander of the Air Force’s 57th Wing, Patterson’s death is a profound loss to his unit, family, and colleagues.

The incident occurred while Patterson and three other military personnel were conducting a rappelling demonstration as part of UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans event ahead of the home game against Navy. The participating airmen form a specialized team that embeds with Army and Marine units to coordinate air and artillery strikes from forward ground positions. Their training includes executing rapid descents by rope, sometimes from helicopters as high as 100 feet.

Video footage circulating on social media showed Patterson descending feet first before the fall, which took place in front of spectators and a band gathered on the field. Emergency personnel attended to him on the field before transporting him via gurney. The game’s start was delayed by approximately 10 minutes following the accident.

UTSA officials expressed condolences and offered counseling services to students in the wake of the event, emphasizing their deep sorrow. The American Athletic Conference, of which UTSA is a member, chose to proceed with the game, which UTSA won 38-34, citing a desire to reduce speculation regarding Patterson’s condition while respecting the military’s notification process for casualties and the privacy of his family.

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “tragic,” noting the impact it had on the more than 23,000 fans present. Traylor remarked that the energy in the stadium had noticeably diminished by kickoff, even as the details of the accident were still emerging.

An official investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s fall during the demonstration. The Air Force and university continue to support his family and colleagues in coping with this loss.