Air Force Service Member Dies After Rappel Incident at Alamodome
An investigation is underway after an Air Force airman died Saturday during a pre-game demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
An Air Force service member died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome before the UTSA football game against Navy. The incident occurred during the annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans pregame ceremony.
The airman, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, out of Nellis Air Force Base, lost control during the descent and fell onto the field. Medical personnel provided onsite treatment before transporting the service member to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.
The personnel involved in the demonstration are typically tactical air controllers, whose training includes rapid rope insertions from significant heights. Their roles involve embedding with ground units to direct air and artillery strikes.
The identity of the service member has not yet been released, and the incident is currently under military investigation.
The game's kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes following the accident. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor described the event as "heartbreaking" and "tragic," noting a somber atmosphere in the stadium.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy expressed condolences, stating, "Our hearts are heavy following the tragic incident at the Alamodome prior to Saturday's UT San Antonio football game against the U.S. Naval Academy." He extended sympathies to the service member's family and fellow airmen.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also shared her condolences via social media, saying, "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. We will keep his family in our prayers."