# Airman dies in UTSA rappelling fall

> Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated Air Force veteran, died after falling 170 feet during a pregame fast-rope demo at UTSA's Alamodome.
- Title: Airman dies in UTSA rappelling fall · New York Post | Shortify
- Summary: Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated Air Force veteran, died after falling 170 feet during a pregame fast-rope demo at UTSA's Alamodome. Tech. Sgt. Ian…
- Keywords: utsa, alamos, air force, tech. sgt. ian patterson, fast-rope demonstration, alamodome, nfl, news, entertainment, Airman, dies, rappelling
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/us-news/tech-sgt-ian-patterson-identified-as-airman-killed-in-alamodome-fall-during-utsa-pregame
- Published: 2026-10-19T06:01:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: utsa, alamos, air force, tech. sgt. ian patterson, fast-rope demonstration, alamodome, nfl, news, entertainment
## Airman killed in rappelling fall
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran, died after falling 170 feet during a fast-rope demonstration at UTSA's Alamodome.
## Patterson's military honors
Patterson earned the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.
## Fall during UTSA game prep
The fall occurred during a fast-rope demonstration before UTSA's game against Navy, with videos showing Patterson sliding uncontrollably down the rope.
## Medical response and death
Patterson was treated on the field for about 10 minutes before being rushed to a hospital where he died.
## Military response
US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills called Patterson's death a 'tragedy' and expressed support for the family and fellow Airmen.

> tech. Sgt. patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him
## Key takeaway

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran with multiple medals, died from a fall during a UTSA football game pregame demonstration.