Air Force Commando Dies After 170-Foot Fall During UTSA Football Game

An Air Force commando died after falling approximately 170 feet from the rafters of the Alamodome during a fast-rope demonstration at a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game. The incident occurred before UTSA's "Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans" game against Navy.

The unidentified service member, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, slipped during the rappelling stunt, which involved four military personnel. The fall caused a sudden silence among the tens of thousands of fans and the performing band.

Witnesses described the immediate aftermath of the fall. "Once the band started playing, there was a guy that fell down," said Adrian Corey. "And started coming down fast." Corey added, "Everyone was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent."

Personnel on the field provided medical assistance to the airman for about 10 minutes before he was placed on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital. He was later pronounced dead. The other three members participating in the stunt were trained air combat controllers skilled in rappelling techniques from heights exceeding 100 feet.

The Alamodome's ceiling is approximately 170 feet high. The demonstration was part of the pre-game activities, including the coin toss.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones expressed her condolences on social media. "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an Air Force service member following an unfortunate accident at Saturday’s UTSA-Navy football game," she stated. "We will keep his family in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him."

The American Conference also released a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident and indicated consultation with various parties, including UTSA, Navy, Alamodome management, and local authorities, to review the available information.