Air Force identifies airman killed in fall during UTSA-Navy pregame ceremony at Alamodome
WOAI • • sports
Key Points:
- Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran and Tactical Air Control Party instructor, died after a fall during a military rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome before the UTSA-Navy football game.
- Patterson was recognized as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022 and was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio.
- The incident delayed the game by about 10 minutes and deeply affected the crowd of over 23,000, with UTSA and military officials offering condolences and support to those impacted.
- Local military and community leaders praised the compassion and respect shown by students and staff during the emergency response and emphasized the importance of community support in times of loss.
- UTSA has made counseling and support services available to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy, while investigations into the safety protocols of the demonstration are ongoing.
