In brief
During a pre‑game ceremony at the Alamodome, Sergeant Ian Patterson of the U.S. Air Force slipped while abseiling from the stadium’s roof, resulting in his death on a 170‑ft drop. The incident occurred just before the University of Texas at San Antonio faced the Naval Academy in a college football showdown, yet the game proceeded as scheduled. Tributes poured in from the American Conference, the 57th Wing, and college officials, with the military’s investigation still underway. Patterson, an 15‑year veteran and 2022 Special Warfare Instructor of the Year, was praised for his service and remembered by friends, family, and colleagues.
The tranquil Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome turned grim when Sergeant Ian Patterson slipped while abseiling from the 170‑foot‑tall roof.
The fall landed him feet first on the midfield turf, and he later died in a local hospital. His body was identified by the Air Force and he was serving as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor at Joint Base San Antonio.
At the time, the stadium was hosting the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners’ match against the Navy Midshipmen. The game went on as planned, although officials confirmed that the decision to continue had been made before Patterson’s death was confirmed.
Condolences poured in from the American Conference, which stated: 'We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and members of the 57th Wing.' Brigadier General Scott Mills of the 57th Wing echoed the sentiment, noting how deeply the tragedy was felt.
Background on Sergeant Patterson
Patterson had 15 years of service with the U.S. military, earning multiple decorations. In 2022 he was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy expressed heartfelt sympathy, stating: 'I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member's family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy.'
The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to establish what went wrong during the abseiling exercise.
