# Service member dies after fall from Alamodome rafters

> Air Force service member dies during UTSA-Navy football game rappel demo.
- Title: Service member dies after fall from Alamodome rafters
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: air force, utsa, navy, alamodome, rappelling, football game, service member, death, military, utsa navy game, alamodome rafters, news
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/news/article/air-force-service-member-dies-fall-alamodome-utsa-22482478.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: air force, utsa, navy, alamodome, rappelling, football game, service member, death, military, utsa navy game, alamodome rafters, news
## 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.
## Key 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.