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

A US Air Force sergeant, identified as Sgt Ian Patterson, died after falling during an abseiling stunt from the ceiling of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday. The incident occurred during a pre-game ceremony before a college football match between the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Naval Academy. Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor, was taken to the hospital where he later died. The game continued as scheduled, with the American Conference stating the decision to proceed was made before his death was confirmed. The incident is currently under investigation.

Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson, a tactical air control party instructor at Joint Base San Antonio, died after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame rappelling demonstration at a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game on Saturday. Patterson, who had served for 15 years and was recognized as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022, was part of a four-member team performing the demonstration. An investigation into the incident is underway. UTSA and the American Athletic Conference expressed sadness and offered support, with the game continuing after a delay.