The U.S. military has identified an Air Force service member who died following a rappelling accident ahead of a college football game in San Antonio, Texas, according to reporting by The Guardian — World.
Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson was killed after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pre-game rappelling demonstration on Saturday. The incident took place prior to a matchup between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Pre-Game Demonstration Fatality
Patterson served as a tactical air control party instructor with the U.S. military. The fatal fall occurred while he was participating in an aerial demonstration scheduled as part of the game's opening events inside the domed stadium.
Emergency personnel responded after Patterson fell from the venue's overhead rafters. U.S. military officials later confirmed his identity and death following the accident at the stadium.
Ongoing Review Following Alamodome Incident
The demonstration was staged ahead of the UTSA home contest against Navy, an event that drew crowds for the collegiate athletic showdown. Military and venue officials have acknowledged the loss of the service member during the operational descent display.
Further details regarding the specific mechanical or procedural circumstances that led to the fatal fall inside the Alamodome have not been released by authorities.
