Air Force Commando Died Performing 'Inherently Dangerous' Stunt at College Football Game
Experts say the rappelling stunt carried significant risks, even with rigorous training.
An elite Air Force commando died Saturday after falling approximately 170 feet during a pregame demonstration at a college football game. Tech Sergeant Ian Patterson of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was performing a rope rappelling stunt at the Alamodome for the University of Texas at San Antonio vs. Navy game when the incident occurred.
Experts described the stunt as "inherently dangerous," noting that such maneuvers carry significant risks regardless of the skill or training of the participants.
"There’s always a risk associated with it, no matter how skilled or well trained we are, we have to be so careful, and even then, something could still happen," Jeremy Smith, lead aviation tactics instructor for Airborne Tactical Training Solutions in Miami, told The Post. Smith trains law enforcement officers on helicopter fast-rope descents and explained that multiple safety mechanisms, including anti-panic levers, manual hand devices, and belayers, are typically in place for such maneuvers.
Viral videos of the event appeared to show Patterson losing control during the demonstration, which involved three other military personnel. He was pronounced dead shortly after the fall. The Air Force has stated that it is limited in what information can be released regarding the investigation into Patterson's death. The highly decorated airman was a 15-year veteran.
Despite the tragic event, the football game continued as scheduled, though UTSA coach Jeff Traylor commented that the atmosphere felt subdued, with "the energy was just gone."