Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated Tactical Air Control Party instructor, died after a pregame demonstration at the Alamodome.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — New photos of Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson have been released following his death in a rappelling accident during a military demonstration before a University of Texas at San Antonio football game.
Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran, died after falling during a pregame demonstration at the Alamodome on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Air Force identified him as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio. The circumstances surrounding the fall remain under investigation.
The demonstration was part of UT San Antonio’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game against Navy. Patterson was one of four service members scheduled to rappel from the Alamodome rafters toward the field shortly before kickoff. More than 23,000 people were in the stadium.
Witnesses and video from the stadium showed Patterson rapidly descending during the demonstration. Emergency crews treated him on the field before he was taken by ambulance to a San Antonio hospital, where he later died. Officials delayed the start of the football game for about 10 minutes as emergency personnel responded.
The Air Force said Patterson was from Fort Stewart, Georgia, and had served for 15 years. He was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level in 2022. His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, along with Army and Air Force achievement and commendation awards.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, said Patterson’s death was being felt across the organization. “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 in an Air Force statement.
Patterson’s unit trains Tactical Air Control Party airmen and other personnel who integrate air and ground combat operations. TACP specialists can work alongside Army and Marine units to coordinate close air support and other fires. Their training includes rappelling and other methods of reaching ground positions from elevated locations.
The accident changed the atmosphere inside the Alamodome before the UTSA-Navy game. UTSA coach Jeff Traylor said afterward that his team noticed the effect on the crowd when players entered the field. “You could tell the energy was just gone,” Traylor said. “It just really puts things in perspective. It really does.”
The American Conference said officials discussed whether the game should proceed while Patterson’s medical condition had not yet been publicly confirmed. Conference officials, stadium management and local authorities ultimately allowed the game to go forward, citing conference procedures and concern about protecting the service member’s family from speculation during the military notification process. UTSA defeated Navy 38-34.
Military officials have not publicly announced what caused Patterson’s rapid descent. The Air Force said the incident remains under investigation, and officials have not released findings assigning a mechanical, procedural or human cause. The service said its focus is also on supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones and fellow airmen.
Author note: Last updated October 20, 2026.