A United States Air Force Airman Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson has been identified as the man who died after descending more than 150 feet from the stadium’s rafters.
He lost his grip and struck the ground with considerable force, subsequently being transported to a medical facility where he was pronounced dead. Patterson was among four personnel engaged in rappelling operations from the rafters prior to a Navy versus University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game. Throughout his service, he had been awarded multiple decorations, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, each bearing one oak leaf cluster, as per Newsweek.
Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada , where Patterson held his assignment, said that he had completed 15 years of military service and was assigned to Detachment 2 of the Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron.
“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,” U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander stated in a statement. “Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together. “In moments like these, words can offer only so much comfort.
But I hope the service member’s family, his fellow airmen and all those grieving know that they are in our thoughts and prayers,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said on Sunday, as per The Athletic..
