SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated U.S. Air Force service member who dedicated 15 years to military service, has died after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame military rappelling demonstration on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Patterson was participating in a demonstration ahead of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game against the U.S. Naval Academy when the fatal accident occurred. The event was part of UTSA’s annual “Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans” celebration, which recognizes military personnel and veterans.

According to reports, Patterson fell from a significant height above the football field. Initial accounts described the fall as approximately 150 to 170 feet, although the exact height has not been consistently confirmed in the information provided.

Emergency personnel rushed to Patterson’s aid on the field and administered medical treatment before transporting him to a nearby San Antonio hospital. He later died from his injuries.

The U.S. Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Patterson was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, where he served as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor.

In that role, he helped prepare military personnel for demanding missions involving coordination between ground forces and air support. His work contributed to the training of service members operating in complex and potentially dangerous environments.

Patterson was a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, according to the information provided about his military background.

Throughout his 15-year career, he earned numerous military awards and commendations recognizing his service and performance.

One of Patterson’s most notable professional achievements came in 2022, when he was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.

The recognition highlighted his work as an instructor and his contribution to preparing fellow service members for demanding military assignments.

His other reported decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

These honors reflected a career dedicated to military service, professional development, and training others.

Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, expressed condolences following Patterson’s death, emphasizing the impact of the loss on the military community.

According to the statements described in the supplied reports, Patterson’s service meant a great deal to the people who knew him and worked alongside him. Air Force leadership has also focused on supporting his family, loved ones, and fellow airmen following the tragedy.

His death has brought grief to those who served with him and to the wider military community that gathered for an event intended to honor service members.

Patterson was one of four military members participating in the pregame demonstration, which involved descending ropes from the stadium’s elevated rafters toward the football field.

The demonstration was scheduled as part of UTSA’s annual military appreciation celebration before the Roadrunners faced Navy. Patterson’s fall interrupted the event and prompted an emergency response.

The football game was briefly delayed following the accident before officials decided to continue.

The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not established a definitive cause for the fall in the information provided.

Patterson’s death is a devastating loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow service members. Beyond the circumstances of the accident, his military career included 15 years of service, multiple commendations, and recognition for his work training other airmen.

As the investigation continues, his professional achievements and contributions to military training remain an important part of his legacy.

The Air Force is expected to provide further information as appropriate. For now, the military community is mourning a service member whose career was dedicated to helping prepare others for the challenges of military duty.