Air Force identifies sergeant who died in fast-rope demonstration fall

The Air Force identified Tech Sergeant Ian Patterson as the airman who died after falling more than 150 feet during a fast-rope demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The accident happened before UTSA’s game against Navy, and is under investigation.

Patterson, from Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served for 15 years and was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, which trains special warfare Airmen. He received several military awards and was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022. The game began after a 10-minute delay, with UTSA winning 38-34; the conference said officials decided to proceed before Patterson’s death was known.