Daijiworld Media Network - San Antonio

San Antonio, Oct 19: A US Air Force service member died after falling during a pregame aerial demonstration at a college football game in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night, military officials said.

The service member was descending on a rope from the rafters at the Alamodome when he fell onto the field, according to video verified by NBC News. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died, a spokesperson for Nellis Air Force Base said.

The deceased was identified as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor from Fort Stewart, Georgia. He had served in the military for 15 years and was assigned to the Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2.

Patterson received several military honours, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.

In 2022, he was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level, according to the statement.

“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,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, said in a statement.

He added that the team was focused on supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones and fellow Airmen as they dealt with the loss.

Videos of the incident showed people rushing towards Patterson as he lay motionless near the 50-yard line. He was subsequently taken off the field in a medical golf cart.

The incident is under investigation.