Air Force Confirms Airman Dies After 170-Foot Rappel Fall at Alamodome Football Game
An Air Force airman died after losing control during a 170-foot pregame rappel demonstration prior to UTSA's game against Navy at the Alamodome. Emergency personnel treated the service member on the field before transporting him to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An Air Force airman died following a catastrophic fall during a pregame military rappelling demonstration inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, according to reporting by Complex citing military confirmations.
The incident took place prior to a college football matchup between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Navy on Saturday, Oct. 17. The demonstration was organized as a featured presentation for UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game.
According to verified accounts, the airman was officially assigned to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron. While descending from the venue rafters approximately 170 feet above the stadium floor, the airman reportedly lost control of his line. The fall occurred roughly 15 minutes before the scheduled game kickoff.
A crowd of 23,297 attendees looked on as the service member slid down the line in an uncontrolled descent before striking the turf. Four airmen in total were scheduled to rappel down into the facility as part of the pregame ceremonies.
Immediately following the impact, university staff members formed a protective semicircle around the fallen service member while medical personnel delivered emergency aid on the field for about 10 minutes. The San Antonio Fire Department subsequently transported the airman to a San Antonio-area medical facility with life-threatening injuries, where he later died, according to official statements.
The athletic contest was delayed for approximately 10 minutes before play got underway. UTSA ultimately defeated Navy with a final score of 38-34, advancing UTSA to a 6-1 overall record and 3-0 in American Conference play, while Navy fell to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in conference competition.
Following the game, statements addressing the fatal event were delivered by UTSA leadership, the American Conference, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor, and quarterback Owen McCown, according to reporting from Complex.
Military and local authorities have confirmed that the incident is currently under official investigation to establish what led to the uncontrolled descent from the stadium rafters.