Air Force Instructor Dies After Rappelling Fall at Texas Football Game

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) instructor, died Saturday, October 17, 2026, after falling during a rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas[1][7]. Patterson was one of four service members performing a pregame ceremony for the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners' "Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans" football game against Navy[7][12][13]. The incident occurred in front of fans in the stadium[9][13].

This tragic incident occurred during an event intended to honor armed forces and veterans, leading to an ongoing Air Force investigation[4][7][9][13]. The loss of a 15-year veteran and decorated instructor has deeply affected the Air Force community[2][7][8]. The event highlighted the risks involved in military demonstrations[12].

What the records show

Patterson, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, was participating in a fast-rope demonstration from the Alamodome rafters[1][7][12]. The rafters were estimated to be between 150 and 170 feet high[8][13]. During his descent, Patterson appeared to lose control and fell to the field[9][13]. Witnesses reported seeing him quickly descend before crashing[9][13]. Emergency responders treated him on the field for several minutes before he was transported to a local hospital[8][9][10]. He later died from his injuries[7][8][10][12]. Tactical Air Control Party instructors are part of a team of specialists who embed with Army and Marine units and help to direct air and artillery strikes from forward ground locations[12]. Their training includes learning to rapidly drop by rope, sometimes from helicopters over 100 feet above the ground[12]. Patterson was recognized as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022 at the Headquarters Air Force level[7][8][9]. He had served in the Air Force for 15 years[7][8][9]. His decorations included 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[7].

The timeline

October 17, 2026: The incident occurred during the pregame ceremony for the UTSA vs. Navy football game at the Alamodome[1][7][10]. Patterson was taken to a hospital and later died[7][8][10][12]. The San Antonio Fire Department confirmed a person had been taken to the hospital as a priority one case at 8:30 p.m.[10].

October 18, 2026: Nellis Air Force Base issued a news release confirming Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson's death and identifying him[7][9][11][12].

October 19, 2026: News reports identified Patterson as the service member who died[1][7][8][9][10].

What changed and for whom

The football game was briefly delayed following the incident, but it ultimately proceeded as scheduled[10][13]. UTSA Head Coach Jeff Traylor stated that what happened was