A member of the US Air Force fatally fell while rappelling down from the ceiling of the Alamodome in San Antonio during a pre-game ceremony held before a college football matchup. The incident occurred on Saturday and involved Sgt Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to Joint Base San Antonio. Video footage captured the serviceman descending feet-first toward the stadium’s turf, located approximately 170 feet below. Patterson was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The match between the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and the Naval Academy Midshipmen proceeded as scheduled following the accident. Officials from the American Conference stated that the decision to continue with the game had been determined prior to confirmation of the airman’s passing. The incident remains under investigation by relevant authorities.
Military officials and university leadership released statements expressing condolences to Patterson’s family and colleagues. According to Nellis Air Force Base, Patterson had completed 15 years of service in the US Air Force and was based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He had received multiple military decorations throughout his career and was honored in 2022 as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the headquarters level. Brig Gen Scott Mills noted that Patterson’s service carried significant meaning for his unit, the 57th Wing.
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