US airman dies as daredevil descent goes wrong before Texas college football game

On October 15, 2026, Tech Sgt Ian Patterson, a member of the U.S. Air Force's 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, died after falling from the ceiling during a pregame ceremony at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football stadium in San Antonio. The incident occurred as Patterson was performing a rappelling demonstration before the UTSA game against Navy, which took place at the Alamodome. Videos showed him sliding uncontrollably down a rope and landing on the field, where he was treated for about 10 minutes before being rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.

The Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident. Patterson, who had served honorably for 15 years and received numerous commendations including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, was from Fort Stewart, Georgia. The game proceeded as scheduled after a delay; UTSA defeated Navy 38-34.

Critics have questioned whether such high-risk demonstrations should be part of pregame ceremonies, citing concerns over safety and appropriateness for public events.