# Air Force rappelling accident in San Antonio

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/air-force-rappelling-accident-in-san-antonio
> Updated: 2026-10-22T02:28:09.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, died following a fatal rappelling accident at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The incident occurred on October 17 during a ‘Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans’ ceremony held before a football game between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Navy.

Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor, fell approximately 170 feet from the stadium rafters during a demonstration performed in front of a crowd of roughly 23,000 people. While emergency responders provided immediate medical attention on the field, he later passed away at a local hospital.

The U.S. Air Force has launched an official investigation into the cause of the fall. Patterson, a father of two, had reportedly been eager to participate in the demonstration for over a year. Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, stated that the tragedy is ‘felt deeply across the 57th Wing.’

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson dies in Alamodome fall

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died after falling 170 feet during a military demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-force-tech-sgt-ian-patterson-dies-in-alamodome-fall

### 2026-10-19: Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson dies in Texas rappelling accident

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died after falling during a rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio before a UTSA vs. Navy football game. An investigation is underway.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-force-tech-sgt-ian-patterson-dies-after-rappelling-fall-in-san-antonio

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Cite as: Air Force rappelling accident in San Antonio. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/air-force-rappelling-accident-in-san-antonio