Oct. 19 (UPI) — The U.S. Air Force late Sunday identified Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson as the U.S. airman who died a day earlier after falling during a military demonstration ahead of a University of Texas at San Antonio football game.
Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada made the identification public in a statement, saying Patterson was a 15-year veteran from Fort Stewart, Ga.
"This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott Mills, 57th Wing commander.
"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. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian's family, loved ones and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together."
The incident occurred Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio during UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game. Video of the incident shows Patterson rappelling rapidly from the stadium's ceiling and then crashing into the football field.
Patterson was transported to a hospital where he later died.
An investigation into the incident has been launched.
The football game was delayed 10 minutes because of the fall, and the American Conference issued a statement saying officials decided to continue with the game, in accordance with its bylaws and with both institutions' support, before Nellis Air Force Base had publicly confirmed Patterson's condition.
The base confirmed Patterson's death at 11:40 p.m. EDT, according to the American Conference, around the same time the game concluded.
UTSA said its Monument Lights and Student Union Tower lights will display "a solemn white candle" this week in recognition of Patterson's death.
"What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness, and I know this has been a difficult and emotional time for many across our university community," UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said in a statement addressed to faculty, students and staff.
"My deepest sympathies are with the service member's family, his fellow airmen and squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy."
This article originally appeared on United Press International at
