The Air Force has identified the service member who tragically died after a fall from the 170-foot rafters during a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game on Saturday.
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, who was part of the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was the airman involved in the incident, according to Nellis Air Force Base.
Patterson fell while participating in a fast-rope demonstration just before the game against Navy.
Videos shared on social media seemed to show him sliding down the rope uncontrollably, as he was one of four service members slated to perform during the pregame coin toss.
He received on-field treatment for around 10 minutes before being transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A Georgia native from Fort Stewart, Patterson had dedicated 15 years to serving in the Air Force.
Throughout his military career, he earned numerous accolades, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, along with the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster. The Air Force also recognized him as the Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level in 2022.
“This tragedy resonates deeply within the 57th Wing,” remarked US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander.
“Tech. Sgt. Patterson’s service was incredibly significant to our wing and to everyone who had the honor of knowing and serving with him. Our focus now is on supporting Ian’s family, friends, and fellow Airmen as we all cope with this tremendous loss together.”
Mills emphasized the importance of relationships with local community partners, especially in challenging times like this.
“We are thankful to the San Antonio community and our partners at Joint Base San Antonio for their compassion and support during this difficult moment,” he added.
The Alamodome, owned by the City of San Antonio, reaches a height of approximately 170 feet, and over 23,000 fans attended the game that night.
UTSA officials expressed their concern for Patterson and for those present when the fall occurred.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that took place at the beginning of the football game. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with the soldier, his family, and his military colleagues,” a university spokesperson communicated to the San Antonio Express-News.
“We understand that members of our campus community may be emotionally impacted by this event, so we are making wellbeing services available to support our faculty, staff, and students.”
