Tech. Sgt Ian Patterson, a US Air Force service member with ties to Fort Stewart in Georgia, has been identified as the man who died after falling during a rappelling demonstration before a college football game in Texas.
Patterson was injured on Saturday, October 17, during a pre-match ceremony at the Alamodome in San Antonio. He was among four military personnel scheduled to descend from the stadium rafters before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s game against Navy.
He appeared to lose control during the descent and fell on to the field. Emergency crews treated him at the stadium before taking him to hospital, where he later died. The match was delayed by about 10 minutes. ([ksat.com](https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/10/19/air-force-identifies-service-member-who-died-after-fall-during-utsa-pregame-ceremony/?utm_source=openai))
Air Force service member remembered
The US Air Force said Patterson had served for 15 years. He was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, and worked as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
His military decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, as well as the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.
In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at headquarters level.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the Air Force’s 57th Wing, said the death had deeply affected the military community.
“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,” General Mills said.
He added that the Air Force was focused on supporting Patterson’s family, friends and fellow service members. ([ksat.com](https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/10/19/air-force-identifies-service-member-who-died-after-fall-during-utsa-pregame-ceremony/?utm_source=openai))
The ceremony formed part of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans event. The university and the American Conference, which includes both UTSA and Navy, said they were offering support to those affected by the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the fall remain under investigation. Officials have not said what caused Patterson to lose control during the descent or when the inquiry is expected to conclude. ([ksat.com](https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/10/19/air-force-identifies-service-member-who-died-after-fall-during-utsa-pregame-ceremony/?utm_source=openai))
