An Air Force service member died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame ceremony before the UTSA-Navy football game, according to the Associated Press and CBS News. The service member, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Nellis Air Force Base, landed near the middle of the field and was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
The fall happened in San Antonio as part of a military demonstration honoring service members ahead of the Saturday night matchup.
What Happened During The Pregame Ceremony
The demonstration featured specialists trained to rapidly descend by rope from helicopters, sometimes from heights of 100 feet or more, to direct air and artillery strikes, according to the AP. The rappelling display was staged inside the Alamodome before kickoff as part of the pregame tribute to the military.
The service member fell during the descent and landed near midfield. He was removed from the field and transported to a hospital in San Antonio, where he died from his injuries, CBS News reported.
What It Means For Fans Who Were There
The game was delayed approximately 10 minutes following the fall before officials allowed play to continue. UTSA went on to defeat Navy 38-34.
Players and coaches described a visibly altered mood inside the stadium. UTSA coach Jeff Traylor told reporters after the game that the moment was “heartbreaking and tragic.” He added, “You could tell the energy was just gone. It just really puts things in perspective. It really does.”
The crowd of more than 23,000 showed a visible emotional reaction as players took the field following the incident, according to the AP.
Official Statement
UTSA released a statement after the game saying, “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues.”
According to a report by The Guardian, the US military has identified the airman as Tech Sgt Ian Patterson. He was “a tactical air control party instructor assigned to the sixth combat training squadron, detachment two, at Joint Base San Antonio.” You can read the full official statement on the Nellis Air Force Base website.
What’s Next
The cause of the fall has not been determined, but an investigation has been opened. You can read the full official statement on the Nellis Air Force Base website.
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