Air Force Identifies Airman Killed in Alamodome Fast-Rope Fall as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-Year Veteran

The Air Force has identified the airman who died after falling during a fast-rope demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio's football game against Navy at the Alamodome on Saturday as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, the New York Post reported.

Patterson, of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, "plunged 170 feet from the Alamodome rafters in front of thousands of horrified fans ahead of kickoff," according to the Post, which cited Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Who Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson Was

According to the Air Force, Patterson was a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, and served in the Air Force for 15 years. San Antonio station KSAT reported that he was a Tactical Air Control Party instructor, and that the 6th Combat Training Squadron, while based at Nellis Air Force Base, has its Detachment 2 at Joint Base San Antonio.

In 2022, he was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level. His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, as well as the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force said.

What Happened at the Alamodome

The fall happened during a pregame demonstration planned for the coin toss. Videos shared on social media "appeared to show the airman sliding uncontrollably down the rope as one of four service members in a demonstration," the Post reported.

He was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being taken to a hospital, where he died, according to the Post. The San Antonio Fire Department said the fall happened just before 7 p.m., KSAT reported. More than 23,000 fans were at the game, according to the Post.

Nellis Air Force Base said the fall is under investigation, KSAT reported.

"Felt Deeply Across the 57th Wing"

"This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing," Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the 57th Wing commander, said in the Air Force's release. "Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian's family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together."

"We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown," Mills said, according to the Post.

UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy said, "The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond those who were present at the Alamodome. It touches families, friends, fellow service members and so many throughout our community," KSAT reported.

Sources: New York Post, "Air Force identifies airman killed in fall during fast-rope demonstration at UTSA football game," Oct. 19, 2026: https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/us-news/tech-sgt-ian-patterson-identified-as-airman-killed-in-alamodome-fall-during-utsa-pregame/; KSAT, "Air Force identifies service member who died after fall during UTSA pregame ceremony," Oct. 19, 2026: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/10/19/air-force-identifies-service-member-who-died-after-fall-during-utsa-pregame-ceremony/; U.S. Air Force, Nellis Air Force Base news release, Oct. 18, 2026 (as quoted by both outlets)