Air Force Identifies Sergeant Killed in Alamodome Fast-Rope Fall

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a 15-year Air Force veteran assigned to Joint Base San Antonio, died after falling during a fast-rope demonstration from the Alamodome rafters before a UTSA football game against Navy. He was one of four service members taking part in the pregame exhibition; officials said he was treated at the stadium and later died at a hospital. Patterson was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022. The circumstances of the fall are under investigation, and Air Force leaders said they are supporting his family, friends and fellow service members.