An Air Force service member has died after falling during a rappelling display at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, shortly before a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game against Navy.
The incident happened on Saturday evening, 17 October, during the university’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans event. Four military personnel had been due to descend from the stadium roof to the pitch before the match.
The service member, who has not been publicly identified, was assigned to Detachment 2 of the US Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron. He was treated on the field before being taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/679393d3306c2f460e7a1a15f3baa55c?utm_source=openai))
Air Force service member dies after Alamodome fall
Authorities have not said what caused the fall. Footage shared on social media appeared to show the man descending rapidly before hitting the ground, as spectators watched from the stands and members of the band gathered on the field.
The San Antonio Fire Department said the injured man was taken to hospital as a priority patient after the fall, which occurred shortly before 7pm. The game was delayed by about ten minutes. ([ksat.com](https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/10/18/person-falls-while-rappelling-before-utsa-football-game-at-alamodome-safd-says/?utm_source=openai))
The 6th Combat Training Squadron trains specialists who work alongside Army and Marine units, helping to direct air and artillery support from forward positions. Their training includes rappelling and rapidly descending by rope from elevated positions.
UTSA said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident and offered counselling contacts to students. In a statement, the university said its thoughts were with the service member’s family and military colleagues.
Jeff Traylor, UTSA’s head coach, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “tragic” after the game. He said the atmosphere in the stadium changed noticeably, adding that the accident had put the match “in perspective”.
UTSA went on to defeat Navy 38-34 in front of more than 23,000 spectators. An investigation into the circumstances of the fall is under way. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/679393d3306c2f460e7a1a15f3baa55c?utm_source=openai))
