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5h ago

Airman Dies After Rappelling Fall at Alamodome

An official Air Force investigation is examining how the stadium demonstration adapted operational rappelling procedures.

Emergency responders tend to Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson after he fell from the rafters of the Alamodome during a rappelling demonstration before the UTSA-Navy game on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
Family members created a GoFundMe page for Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson's wife Niki and their two young sons. Patterson died Saturday after falling from the ceiling of the Alamodome during a rappelling demonstration ahead of the UTSA-Navy football game.
A GoFundMe for Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran from Georgia, has raised more than $100,000 after his fatal fall at the Alamodome.
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Overview

  • Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson fell during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome and later died at a San Antonio hospital after medics treated him on the field on Saturday, Oct. 17.
  • The Air Force has opened a formal investigation into the incident to review safety planning and how tactical rappelling techniques were modified for a public stadium show.
  • Patterson was a 15-year Air Force veteran and a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, and he received multiple service awards including a 2022 instructor honor.
  • Multiple fundraisers for Patterson’s wife, Niki, and their two young sons have raised well over $100,000 to cover living costs, relocation and travel for relatives while the family grieves.
  • Local friends and colleagues have held memorials and the 57th Wing has pledged support for the family as UTSA, Alamodome management and military leaders review procedures for future public demonstrations.