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The Air Force has released the identity of the service member who died after falling from the 170-foot rafters in front of thousands of horrified fans at a University of Texas at San Antonio football game on Saturday.
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was identified as the airman who died, Nellis Air Force Base said.
Patterson fell during a fast-rope demonstration from the rafters of the Alamodome before UTSA’s game against Navy.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the airman sliding uncontrollably down the rope as one of four service members in a demonstration planned for the pregame coin toss.
He was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being rushed to a hospital, where he died.
Patterson, a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served honorably in the Air Force for 15 years.
During his time in service, 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, the Air Force said.
Patterson was also named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level in 2022.
“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander.
“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. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”
“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills added.
“We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”
The Alamodome, which is owned by the City of San Antonio, has a ceiling of roughly 170 feet.
More than 23,000 fans were in attendance for Saturday’s game.
UTSA officials expressed concern for the airman and for fans present during the fall.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues,” a university spokesperson told the San Antonio Express-News.
“We recognize that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this incident and are activating wellbeing services to support our faculty, staff and students.”