News Article
Published
Oct 19, 2026 at 03:36 AM EDT
A service member who died after rappelling from the stadium ceiling ahead of a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) game on Saturday has been identified by the U.S. Air Force as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor from Fort Stewart, Georgia.
The airman was rappelling from the rafters above the Alamodome football stadium during a pregame aerial demonstration when he fell to the field, videos showed. He was taken to a local hospital and later died.
Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base, where Patterson was stationed, wrote that the airman had served for 15 years and was assigned to the Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. He received several decorations during his time in the force, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; 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 the Headquarters Air Force level.
“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,” U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander said in a statement. “Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”
The incident is currently under investigation.
This is a developing story; more to follow.
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