From Houstonchronicle · · 1m 40s
Service member dies after fall from Alamodome rafters
Air Force service member dies during UTSA-Navy football game rappel demo.
In brief
Air Force service member dies during UTSA-Navy football game rappel demo. An Air Force service member died after falling from the Alamodome rafters during a pregame rappelling demonstration for the UTSA-Navy football game on October 17, 2026. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
Service member falls from Alamodome rafters
A military service member fell to his death from the Alamodome rafters during a rappelling demonstration before the UTSA-Navy football game on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Service member from Air Force detachment
The service member was from Detachment 2 of the Air Force's 6th Combat Training Squadron and participated in a 170-foot vertical descent.
Emergency response begins
Emergency personnel carried the service member from the field on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance outside the Alamodome.
Service member dies at hospital
The Air Force confirmed the service member died at a San Antonio hospital hours after the fall.
Game proceeds despite incident
The game began as scheduled shortly after 7 p.m. after American Conference officials decided to proceed with the game.
Conference response
Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti met with UTSA, Navy, Alamodome officials to discuss next steps after the incident.
UTSA coach reaction
UTSA coach Jeff Traylor called the accident 'heartbreaking' and 'tragic' and said it affected the home crowd's energy.
Service member's background
The 6th Combat Training Squadron trains tactical air controllers to embed with Army and Marine units and direct air strikes.
Local officials respond
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and UTSA president Taylor Eighmy expressed condolences to the service member's family and offered support resources.
The takeaway
An Air Force service member died after falling from the Alamodome rafters during a pregame rappelling demonstration for the UTSA-Navy football game on October 17, 2026.
