In brief
During a pre‑game safety demo, Sergeant Ian Patterson fell from a 170‑foot platform inside the Alamodome and died after being pronounced at a hospital. The incident happened before a College Football game that proceeded as scheduled. Investigations are underway. The death has deeply impacted the 57th Wing and the local community, with condolences from US Air Force leadership and UTSA officials.
A United States Air Force sergeant died after falling feet‑first from a 170‑foot high platform during a pre‑game safety demonstration inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Footage that was released shows the airman plummeting to the turf at midfield before the match between the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and the Navy Midshipmen began. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The officer who died was Sergeant Ian Patterson, a tactical‑air‑control‑party instructor at Joint Base San Antonio. He had served for 15 years and had earned multiple decorations, including being named the Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022.
The game went on as planned. The decision to continue had been made before the death was confirmed, according to the governing athletic association.
An American Conference statement said it extended deepest condolences to Patterson’s family, friends, teammates and the 57th Wing. A senior Air Force officer also expressed that the tragedy is felt across the wing and that the officer mattered greatly.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy offered heartfelt sympathy to the family and everyone touched by the tragedy.
