Airman died during 'inherently dangerous stunt' at college football game
Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson fell from the Alamodome rafters during a pre-game demonstration, an incident that remains under investigation.
An Air Force service member died after falling more than 150 feet from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pre-game demonstration at a college football game. The incident involved Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Patterson was performing a fast-rope demonstration before UTSA's game against Navy when he fell. He received medical attention on the field for approximately 10 minutes before being transported to a hospital, where he later died, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.
An expert in aviation tactics described the stunt as "inherently dangerous," emphasizing that significant risks are associated with such demonstrations, 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," said Jeremy Smith, lead aviation tactics instructor for Airborne Tactical Training Solutions.
Patterson, a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, served 15 years in the Air Force and was a decorated member of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, which conducts advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen. He received multiple commendations, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, stated that Patterson's death is deeply felt. "Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together."
Witnesses described a stunned silence falling over the crowd as the airman fell. Alamodome medics immediately attended to Patterson, who lay motionless on the field. "Everybody was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent," witness Adrian Corey told KSAT.
Despite the incident, the game proceeded after a 10-minute delay. UTSA ultimately defeated Navy, 38-34. Many players participated in a post-game prayer for the injured Airman.
The American Conference, of which Navy and UTSA are members, consulted with institutional representatives, Alamodome management, and local authorities before deciding to continue the game. At the time of those discussions, the service member's condition had not been publicly confirmed by Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs, and the conference cited respect for family privacy and military notification procedures in their decision-making process.
A similar rappelling demonstration occurred without incident before a 2025 game at the Alamodome between Army and UTSA. The ceiling of the Alamodome is approximately 180 feet above the field.