Air Force Hero Dies in Tragic 170-Foot Fall During Military Tribute
An Air Force airman died after falling during a military tribute before Saturday’s Navy football game in San Antonio, Texas.
Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson was taking part in a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome when the October 17 accident occurred. The event was part of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans, held before the Roadrunners faced the United States Naval Academy.
Four service members were descending from the stadium’s rafters toward the field in a display honoring America’s armed forces and veterans. The descent covered about 170 feet, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Witnesses said Patterson suddenly accelerated as he descended and struck the field in front of thousands of spectators. Emergency responders rushed to provide aid. Personnel surrounded him as medics treated him on the turf, then moved him onto a stretcher. He was taken by ambulance to a San Antonio hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The Air Force confirmed Patterson’s death and opened an investigation. Officials have not said whether equipment failure, human error or another factor caused the fall. Video recorded by some spectators captured the incident, but does not establish what led to it.
Patterson served as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor with the Sixth Combat Training Squadron, Detachment Two. The detachment is based at Joint Base San Antonio; its parent squadron is associated with Nellis Air Force Base.
He had served in the Air Force for 15 years, according to local reporting released Monday. In 2022, he was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year.
Tactical Air Control Party specialists coordinate air support for ground troops during complex military operations. Their work calls for rigorous preparation and close coordination with other forces. Patterson’s role as an instructor involved preparing personnel for demanding missions.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, honored Patterson in a statement.
“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” Mills said while honoring the fallen airman.
Mills recognized Patterson’s contributions to his unit and to those who had the privilege of knowing and serving with him. He said military leaders were focused on supporting Patterson’s family, friends, colleagues and fellow airmen.
More than 23,000 spectators were at the game, according to reports from the scene. One witness said the descending airman appeared to begin moving much faster than expected. The accident brought the planned tribute to an abrupt halt before kickoff.
UTSA officials expressed their sorrow and offered counseling resources to students and others affected. University President Taylor Eighmy said the tragedy affected people beyond those who witnessed it firsthand. The university urged its community to support military families, colleagues and everyone grieving Patterson’s death.
San Antonio officials also offered condolences.
The American Conference said administrators consulted representatives from both schools, stadium management and local authorities about whether the game should proceed. Commissioner Tim Pernetti took part in those discussions.
Officials decided to play after a brief delay, with support from both schools. The conference said protecting the family’s privacy and following military notification procedures factored into the decision. At the time, the Air Force had not publicly confirmed Patterson’s condition, according to the conference.
Administrators were concerned that canceling the game without an explanation could prompt speculation and add distress for the airman’s family. The game began about 10 minutes late, and UTSA defeated Navy, 38-34.
UTSA coach Jeff Traylor called the accident heartbreaking and said the crowd’s energy had visibly disappeared.