Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson dies in Alamodome fall

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a father of two, died following a 170-foot fall from the rafters of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, during the University of Texas at San Antonio’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans celebration.

Patterson was one of four personnel participating in a fast-rope and rappelling demonstration before a crowd of approximately 23,000 people at a UTSA-Navy football game. Although emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, he could not be saved.

His father, Air Force veteran John Patterson, stated that Ian had been eager to participate in the demonstration for over a year after missing the opportunity the previous year. John Patterson described his son as a devoted family man who joined the Air Force immediately after high school to pursue a career defined by discipline and integrity. Ian Patterson is survived by his wife, Niki, and two sons, aged 3 and 6.