U.S. airman identified after death in rappelling incident before college football game

Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year veteran from Fort Stewart, Georgia, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2 at Nellis Air Force Base, died after falling from the rafters during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game against Navy in the Alamodome on Saturday. Patterson was one of four military service members scheduled to participate in the event, which is part of UTSA's annual "Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans" program. The incident occurred around 170 feet above the field, causing a delay of about 10 minutes before the start of the game. Despite immediate medical attention on the field, Patterson was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Alamodome roof is approximately 170ft high, making the rappelling event extremely dangerous. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.