Nellis Airman Dies in UTSA Pregame Rappel Fall
A Nellis airman died Saturday night after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame fast-rope demonstration ahead of UTSA’s football game against Navy, the Air Force confirmed. Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was treated on the field and rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.
What Happened at the Alamodome
Patterson was one of four service members scheduled to rappel from the stadium ceiling roughly 15 minutes before kickoff as part of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game. Video of the descent showed him sliding uncontrollably down the rope before crashing to the turf near midfield, in front of fans in the stands and a band assembled on the field.
Medical personnel treated him on the field for about 10 minutes before he was carried out on a stretcher. The game was delayed roughly 10 minutes; UTSA went on to win 38-34.
Who Was Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson
Nellis Air Force Base identified Patterson on Sunday. A native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, he had served honorably in the Air Force for 15 years. During his service he earned the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, along with the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. In 2022 he was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.
The airmen taking part in the demonstration are tactical specialists who embed with Army and Marine ground units to direct air and artillery strikes, and their training includes rapid rope descents.
Investigation Underway
The Air Force said the incident is under investigation and that more information will be released as it becomes available. “This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander.
UTSA said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident and activated counseling and wellbeing services for students, faculty, and staff. After the game, UTSA coach Jeff Traylor called the accident “heartbreaking” and “tragic.”
Source: ABC News