US Airman Dies After Fall During Pre-Game Ceremony in Texas
The tactical air control party instructor fell during a pre-game event at the Alamodome and later died in hospital.
A member of the U.S. Air Force died after falling from the ceiling of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, during a pre-game ceremony on Saturday. The incident occurred ahead of a college football game between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Naval Academy.
Footage of the event shows the airman falling to the turf. He was identified by the military as Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor at Joint Base San Antonio. Patterson died in the hospital following the incident. The Alamodome stands 170 feet high.
The game between the UTSA Roadrunners and the Navy Midshipmen continued as planned. The American Conference, a collegiate athletic association, stated that the decision to proceed with the fixture was made before Patterson's death had been confirmed.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and members of the 57th Wing," the American Conference said in a statement. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Mills also issued a statement from Nellis Air Force Base, saying, "This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing. Tech Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing."
Patterson, originally from Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served in the U.S. military for 15 years, according to Nellis Air Force Base. His service included multiple military decorations, and in 2022, he was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy offered his condolences, stating, "I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member's family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy."
The incident is currently under investigation.