A decorated 15-year-old Air Force member has died after a rappelling accident during a military salute Saturday before the Navy-University of Texas at San Antonio game at the Alamodome.
US Air Force Technology. Sgt. Ian Patterson was a Tactical Air Control Group instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, Joint Base San Antonio, according to a press release from Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.
“This tragedy is deeply felt throughout the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, said in the release.
“Technical Sergeant Patterson and his service meant so much to our Wing, as well as 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.”
Patterson received several medals for his service and achievements, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. In 2022, he was named Air Force Special Warfare Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters-level Air Force.
Details surrounding the accident are under investigation, according to the news release.
A video on social media appears to show Patterson rappelling from the rafters of the arena on a rope and quickly falling to the ground. He was treated on the field for several minutes and then taken away on a stretcher.
Patterson later died at a local hospital, according to Nellis Air Force Base public affairs.
The football match between the two American Conference teams took place with a brief delay. The decision to play was made after a meeting attended by conference commissioner Tim Pernetti, representatives from Navy and UTSA, Alamodome management and local officials, according to a statement released by the American Conference.
“At the time of these discussions, Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs had not publicly confirmed the service member’s condition,” the statement said. “…In accordance with the conference bylaws and with the support of both participating member institutions, the conference made the decision to proceed with the game. Respect for the family’s privacy and respect for the Army’s notification process guided the decision to alleviate speculation about the service member’s medical condition and avoid additional distress to his family.”
The conference added that it extends “our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and members of the 57th Wing who had the privilege of serving with him. We honor his service and join the military community in mourning his loss.”
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy also released a statement expressing his “deep sadness.”
“In times like these, words can only offer so much comfort,” Eighmy wrote. “But I hope that the service member’s family, his fellow Airmen and all those who are grieving know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. We are united in sadness, united in our compassion for each other and our sincere support for all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.”
UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos said in a statement: “Moments like these remind us that we are all part of something much bigger than a game. They remind us of the importance of being together, supporting each other and finding strength in the bonds that bind us, especially in times of deep sadness. Today, our hearts go out to this service member’s family, to his comrades Airmen and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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