SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Air Force has identified the airman who died following a fall during a pregame ceremony at the Alamodome on Saturday.
The airman was identified as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Group instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio.
According to the Air Force, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Instructor of the Year in 2022. He served for 15 years.
This tragedy is deeply felt within the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander. Sgt. Patterson and his service meant a lot to our wing and to the family, friends and teammates who had the privilege of knowing him and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing with Ian’s family, loved ones and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.
Mills also thanked the San Antonio community and military partners for their support following the tragedy.
Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody, a Marine Corps veteran who attended Saturday’s game with his family and participated in the pregame coin toss, also shared an emotional statement on the tragedy. He praised the students and staff who stepped up to provide privacy and dignity as emergency crews attempted to save Patterson’s life.
My family and I attended the Navy vs. UTSA football game last night, where I had the honor of participating in the coin toss. Tragically, before kickoff, a US Air Force airman fell and, despite the efforts of medical personnel, lost his life. I was moved to see students and staff rally together to provide privacy and dignity as medical staff worked to save his life. In an incredibly difficult time, they showed compassion and respect. As a Marine, I understand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make. It is a heartbreaking loss and a sad reminder of the fragility of life.
My family and I pray for family, friends and all those affected by this tragedy. I ask you to keep them in your prayers as well.
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“Our relationship with local community partners is extremely important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills said. “We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”
Patterson was involved in an incident during pregame activities before the UTSA-Navy football game. The incident occurred during a military recall demonstration at the Alamodome.
Patterson was one of four Airmen scheduled to rappel from the rafters of the Alamodome onto the field about 15 minutes before kickoff as part of UTSA’s annual salute to the armed forces. & Veterans Game.
During the demonstration, Patterson lost control while descending, slipped on the rope and landed hard on the field.
Emergency crews rushed to help Patterson before taking him off the field on a stretcher. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The incident delayed the start of the match by approximately 10 minutes.
After the game, UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor called the incident heartbreaking and tragic, saying it had a notable impact on the crowd of more than 23,000 fans.
You could tell the energy was gone,” Traylor said. “It really puts things into perspective. It really is.
UTSA also released a statement expressing condolences to Patterson’s family and fellow military members.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred early in tonight’s game,” the university said. “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the affected soldier, his family and his fellow service members.”
UTSA said counseling and other support services are available for students, faculty and staff affected by the tragedy.
We have contacted military officials and the Alamodome regarding security protocols in place for the event.
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