US Air Force pays tribute to man who fell to death in front of screaming crowd after pre-match stunt goes wrong

The US Air Force has paid tribute after a man dramatically fell to his death before a football game in front of horrified crowds.

The force has released the identity of the service member who died after he fell from the 170-foot rafters as thousands watched on at the University of Texas at San Antonio football game on Saturday (17 October).

Now named as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, he had plunged into the pitch during a fast-rope demonstration from the rafters of the Alamodome before the game kicked off.

Patterson, of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Texas, was later identified as the airman who died as the Nellis Air Force Base paid public tribute to him.

Shocking videos on social media have showed the moment he plummeted to the ground as members of the crowd can be heard responding in shock.

He is seen tumbling rapidly down the rope as one of the four service members taking part in the demonstration.

Members of staff and paramedics quickly surrounded him on the ground, where it was later confirmed he had died following the disastrous stunt. More than 23,000 spectators were at the stadium when the incident unfolded.

US Air Force remembers much-loved serviceman

Patterson, from Fort Stewart in Georgia, had served in the Air Force for 15 years and had been awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal during his time in service.

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills as he paid tribute.

“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.

“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these.

"We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”

The game still went ahead after 10-minute delay, with an investigation into the incident said to be underway.

After the game, UTSA coach Jeff Traylor spoke about the moment the incident unfolded, saying: “There was something – you could just tell that the energy was just gone.

“I’ve never had to deal with anything like that before. It just puts things in perspective. It really does.”

Another witness, Adrian Corey, told KSAT: "Everybody was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent."

UTSA officials had also shared their concern for Patterson after fans watched the fall in real time.

A university spokesperson told the San Antonio Express-News: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues.

“We recognise that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this incident and are activating wellbeing services to support our faculty, staff and students.”

As UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy added: "Our hearts remain heavy following the tragic incident at the Alamodome prior to Saturday’s football game against the U.S. Naval Academy.

"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."