US Airman Dies Following Tragic Rappelling Accident at Texas Football Game
A 15-year Air Force veteran has died after a fatal rappelling fall during a pregame military tribute at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Investigation on...
POLICY WIRE — San Antonio, United States — The U.S. Air Force has identified the service member who died following a fatal fall during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year veteran of the Air Force, was participating in a tribute for the annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game between the University of Texas at San Antonio and Navy. The airman, who was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Footage captured by spectators showed the airman descending toward the field before the fall occurred in front of a crowd of over 23,000 people. The incident prompted a 10-minute delay to the game, with officials later confirming that an investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy is currently underway.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, stated that the loss is felt deeply across the organization. The American Conference noted that the decision to proceed with the game was made in accordance with bylaws and out of respect for the family’s privacy during the military notification process.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
