Air Force names airman who died in UTSA pregame fall

American Athletic Conference continued game before airman’s condition was confirmed

The U.S. Air Force on Sunday identified Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson as the airman who died after falling during a pregame military demonstration at the University of Texas at San Antonio football game at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Patterson, a 15-year veteran from Fort Stewart, Ga., was assigned to the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the base said in a statement. He was rappelling rapidly from the stadium’s ceiling as part of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game and crashed into the football field, according to video of the incident. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

The American Athletic Conference said the base confirmed Patterson’s death at 11:40 p.m. EDT on Saturday, around the time the game concluded.

Brig. Gen. Scott Mills, the 57th Wing commander, said in the Nellis statement that the loss was being felt across the wing.

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” Mills said.

“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,” Mills said. “Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

The football game was delayed 10 minutes because of the fall. The American Athletic Conference issued a statement saying officials decided to continue with the game, in accordance with its bylaws and with both institutions’ support, before Nellis Air Force Base had publicly confirmed Patterson’s condition.

UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said the campus was grieving.

“What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness, and I know this has been a difficult and emotional time for many across our university community,” Eighmy said in a statement addressed to faculty, students and staff.

“My deepest sympathies are with the service member’s family, his fellow airmen and squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy,” Eighmy said.

UTSA said its Monument Lights and Student Union Tower lights will display “a solemn white candle” this week in recognition of Patterson’s death.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.