The accident occurred at San Antonio's Alamodome during a rappelling demonstration before a game between the University of Texas at San Antonio and Navy. Video evidence suggests Patterson fell from the stadium's 170 foot rafters in an uncontrolled manner, landing near midfield. The Air Force is currently investigating the cause of the fall; meanwhile, the American Athletic Conference proceeded with the match after consulting with officials and the involved universities.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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TACP Instructor Dies in 170 Foot Alamodome Rappelling Fall
Sports1 day ago
The U.S. Air Force identified Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson as the service member who was killed during a pregame display at a football game on Oct. 17. Patterson was a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) instructor and a 15 year veteran of the military who was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022. A native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, he was assigned to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron.
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