A pregame rappelling display at San Antonio’s Alamodome ended in the death of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, prompting an investigation and support efforts for people affected by the incident.
Nellis Air Force Base identified Patterson as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. The base said he had served 15 years.
Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs confirmed Patterson was taken from the Alamodome to a local hospital, where he died, the American Conference said. The confirmation came at 11:40 p.m. ET, the conference said. The fall occurred before UT San Antonio’s Oct. 17 football game against the U.S. Naval Academy, which the university had promoted as a Salute to Service event.
Spectator Adrian Corey told KSAT he was recording the demonstration with his parents and siblings and saw the crowd fall quiet afterward. CBS News separately reported that an unidentified witness said children should not have had to see the fall.
The American Conference said the game continued with support from both schools. Officials considered what to do before the Air Force had publicly confirmed Patterson’s condition, the conference said. Representatives from the schools, stadium management and local authorities took part in those discussions. The conference cited its bylaws, the family’s privacy and military casualty notification procedures in explaining the decision.
UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy thanked San Antonio Fire Department medical staff, university medical staff and trainers, and Alamodome personnel for their response. He said Patterson’s death affected the airman’s family, fellow service members and the university community, as well as people who attended the game.
The university said in-person support was being offered to people directly affected. Confidential counseling and wellness resources were available to any student or employee who needed them. The circumstances of the fall remain under investigation, and no cause has been announced, the American Conference said.
