A decorated Air Force veteran who served 15 years was identified as the service member killed in a fast rope demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio football game on Saturday, officials said, as reported by The New York Post.

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson served with the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Nellis Air Force Base identified Patterson as the airman who fell 170 feet from the Alamodome rafters before kickoff.

The fatal fall unfolded in front of thousands of fans gathered for UTSA’s game against Navy. More than 23,000 fans were in attendance at the Alamodome, which is owned by the City of San Antonio.

US Air Force service member dies after 150ft fall from Alamodome rafters during pregame rappel before UTSA-Navy game. Rushed to hospital, later died. Incident under investigation. #AirForce #UTSA #BreakingNews https://t.co/h6Dfxzppgj via @MailSport

— (@TruthHunters) October 18, 2026

Patterson, a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, served honorably throughout his Air Force career. His record included several commendations and achievement medals awarded during his years in uniform.

He received the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Patterson was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster, according to the Air Force.

His service also earned recognition at the Headquarters Air Force level. In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year.

The accident happened during a fast rope demonstration scheduled before the game. Patterson was one of four service members participating in the demonstration planned for the pregame coin toss.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show the airman sliding uncontrollably down the rope. He then plunged from the rafters as fans watched inside the stadium.

Emergency personnel treated Patterson on the field for about 10 minutes. He was then rushed to a hospital, where he died from the injuries sustained in the fall.

US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, described Patterson’s death as a “tragedy” that has been “felt deeply across” the entire unit.

“Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” Mills said.

The commander said the unit’s attention had turned toward those grieving Patterson’s death. “Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

Mills also expressed appreciation for the response from the surrounding community and military partners. “We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion, and support they have shown,” Mills said.

UTSA officials expressed concern both for Patterson and for the fans and members of the university community who witnessed the deadly fall before the football game began.

“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues,” a university spokesperson told the San Antonio Express-News.

The university also moved to make support available for those emotionally affected by what happened inside the Alamodome. “We recognize that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this incident and are activating wellbeing services to support our faculty, staff and students.”

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