The US Air Force has identified the service member who died after falling from the rafters at the Alamodome in San Antonio during a pre-game demonstration at a college football match.
Tech Sgt Ian Patterson was taking part in a fast-rope display before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s game against Navy on Saturday when he fell, according to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base.
He was one of four airmen involved in the demonstration. Patterson appeared to lose control during his descent and plunged about 170ft towards the pitch as spectators watched.
Medical personnel treated him at the stadium before he was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He later died.
Patterson was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, where he worked as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor.
The airman, who was from Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served in the Air Force for 15 years. He was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022 and received several military commendations during his career.
Brig Gen Scott C Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, said Patterson’s death had been felt deeply across the unit and that the military was focused on supporting his family, friends and fellow airmen.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal fall remain under investigation.
