A member of the US Air Force died after falling during a pre-game ceremony at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday. Footage shows the serviceman dropping feet first onto the turf at midfield from a point about 170 feet (52 metres) up.
The military identified the airman as Sgt Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor at Joint Base San Antonio. He died in hospital. The incident is being investigated, and the game between the UTSA Roadrunners and the Navy Midshipmen went ahead as planned.
Game proceeded before death was confirmed
The American Conference said the decision to continue with the fixture was made before the airman’s death had been confirmed. In a statement, it extended its condolences to his family, friends, teammates and members of the 57th Wing.
Military and university leaders pay tribute to Patterson
US Air Force Brig Gen Scott Mills said in a statement issued by Nellis Air Force Base that the tragedy was deeply felt across the 57th Wing. He added that Patterson and his service had mattered immensely to the wing.
According to Nellis Air Force Base, Patterson, from Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served in the US military for 15 years. He held multiple military decorations and was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at Headquarters Air Force level in 2022.
UTSA president Taylor Eighmy said he wanted to extend his deepest sympathies to the family, fellow airmen and squadron, and everyone whose lives had been touched by the tragedy.
