An Airman killed after a fall at the Alamodome in San Antonio has been identified as Tech Sergeant Ian Patterson, who died in hospital after plunging more than 150ft from the stadium rafters during a pre-game demonstration.
Patterson, a member of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment Two, at Joint Base San Antonio, fell during a fast-rope display before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s game against Navy.
He was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being taken to hospital, where he later died. The incident is under investigation.
Patterson was from Fort Stewart, Georgia, and had served in the Air Force for 15 years. His unit conducts advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen.
He was awarded 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.
Airman killed in Alamodome fall honoured by commander
Brigadier General Scott C Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, said Patterson’s death had been deeply felt across the unit.
“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,” he said.
“Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”
Video filmed from several angles showed Patterson falling towards the field as thousands of spectators watched. Medics rushed to the 50-yard line, where he lay motionless.
Witness Adrian Corey said: “Everybody was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent.”
His mother, Siomara, said there were no further updates after spectators were asked to pray, adding: “It did not look good.”
The game began after a delay of about 10 minutes, with UTSA beating Navy 38-34. Players from both teams later joined in a group prayer for the injured Airman.
UTSA quarterback Owen McCown said: “I know we said a prayer postgame, but they’ll continue being our thoughts and prayers, and really thinking about them.”
The American Conference said officials decided to continue with the match because Patterson’s condition had not been publicly confirmed at the time. It said military casualty notification procedures were intended to protect his family’s privacy and prevent speculation.
The conference later said Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs confirmed at 11.40pm Eastern time that the service member had been injured during the demonstration, taken to a local hospital and died there.
A similar rappelling demonstration had taken place without incident before a 2025 game at the Alamodome between Army and UTSA.
UTSA has offered counselling services to students following the tragedy. Coach Jeff Traylor said he had been told only that an incident had occurred and the game would be delayed.
“What I heard that happened is heartbreaking, but I want to give the family time,” Traylor said. “They’re in our prayers. It’s tragic.”
