In front of thousands of horrified fans on Saturday at a University of Texas at San Antonio football game, the Air Force released the identity of a service member who died after falling 170 feet from the rafters.
technology. Sgt. Nellis Air Force Base said Ian Patterson of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, 2nd Detachment, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was identified as the fatal pilot.
Before UTSA’s game against Navy, Patterson fell while performing a fast-roping demonstration in the rafters of the Alamodome.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show the pilot sliding down a rope out of control as one of four service members performing a pregame coin toss.
He was treated at the scene for about 10 minutes before being taken to hospital, where he died.
Patterson, a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, served honorably in the Air Force for 15 years.
During his service, he was awarded the Aerospace Commendation Medal with three oak leaves, as well as the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf each, the Aerospace Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Force said.
Patterson was also named the 2022 Air Force Headquarters-level Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year.
“This tragedy is deeply felt throughout the 57th Wing,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander.
“Technical Sergeant Patterson and his service were so important to our wing and the family, friends and teammates who had the privilege of knowing him and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on working alongside Ian’s family, loved ones and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss.”
“Our relationships with our local community partners are extremely important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills added.
“We are grateful for the care, compassion and support shown by the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio.”
The Alamodome belongs to the city of San Antonio and has a ceiling height of approximately 170 feet.
More than 23,000 fans attended Saturday’s game.
UTSA officials expressed concerns about the pilot and the fans present in the fall.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the affected soldier, his family and his military colleagues,” a university spokesperson told the San Antonio Express-News.
“We recognize that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this event and are activating wellbeing services to support our staff and students.”