A US service member has passed away after suffering an approximately 150-foot fall at the Alamodome on Saturday.
Air Force officials confirmed that the accident occurred during a pregame moment in which they were one of four service members rappelling down from the rafters before the Navy-University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game. He fell to the turf after the rope slipped out of his hands while he was about halfway down, and he was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The man was later identified as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2.
“During his time in service, he was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, as well as the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force said,” the New York Post reported.
Task and Purpose reported some additional details
The 6th Combat Training Squadron trains service members from across the military as terminal air controllers, troops trained in both ground combat operations and the technical skills of directing strike aircraft over a battlefield. The unit’s Detachment 2 is based at Lackland Air Force Base, about 12 miles from the Alamodome, where it runs the selection and initial training courses for airmen hoping to qualify as Tactical Air Control Party, or TACPs, a terminal air control job within the service’s special warfare corps.
The incident happened during a pregame rappelling demonstration ahead of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans game. Four military members were to rappel from the rafters of the Alamodome to the playing field. Catwalks in the stadium’s rafters are about 160 feet above the playing field, according to the stadium’s technical manual.
“The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available,” said a Nellis Air Force Base spokesperson.
X users reacted:
No belayer at the end of the rope? That’s strange.
— Glenn Lee (@glenn_lee81043) October 18, 2026
Is it really not macho enough or too pridefull to do this demo with a stunt bag or any kind of safeguard to ensure the safety of the service member? It just seems incredibly irresponsible to have somebody repel from an incredible height and have absolutely nothing.
— fordfocus (@f0rdfocu5) October 19, 2026
Who ordered this young man to perform stunts at a football game. That person needs to be charged
— Christine Stanton (@ccstanton) October 19, 2026
The commanding officers above him should be immediately suspended and fully investigated for not insuring a safe environment for our servicemen and women. Their pensions should be stripped. Consequences for a national embarrassment like this need to happen.
— Brian T (@BrianthtsT) October 19, 2026
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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