A U.S. Air Force technical sergeant died after falling during a rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. The incident occurred prior to a college football game between the Navy and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The service member was identified as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year veteran from Georgia.
The demonstration was part of the annual "Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans" pregame program. Patterson was one of four military members scheduled to rappel from the stadium's rafters toward the field. Spectators in the stands, along with a band and cheerleaders on the field, observed Patterson fall during his descent. He received medical treatment on the field for several minutes before being transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Patterson was a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, based at Nellis Air Force Base. TACP members are specialists who embed with Army and Marine units to coordinate air and artillery strikes. Their training includes rapid rope descents from heights that can reach 100 feet. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, stated that the loss is deeply felt across the unit.
The game was delayed 10 minutes following the fall. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor noted the visible shift in energy among the crowd of more than 23,000.
The Air Force has confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of the fall is currently underway. The sister of Patterson’s wife declined to comment on the matter. The game itself proceeded after the delay, with UTSA winning 38-34. Officials have not reported any additional injuries from the event.