US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, who died after falling 150 feet into a college football stadium, has been identified as a young father of two.
Patterson, a decorated service member with more than 15 years in the Air Force, was killed Saturday in a freak accident during a stunt at the Navy-University of Texas football game at San Antonio’s Alamodome.
In a GoFundMe created for his grieving family, Patterson was remembered as a “beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon.”
“In an instant, their family’s world changed forever,” the fundraiser said.
Video from the game appeared to show Patterson losing his grip on a rope while rappelling from the stadium rafters before plunging to the ground.
According to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs, Patterson received treatment on the field for about 10 minutes before being taken away and transported to a hospital, where he later died. The circumstances are under investigation.
Patterson served with the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. The unit provides advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen. He had also been stationed in Korea and Germany.
During his 15-year Air Force career, Patterson received numerous honors, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a young father of two, died after falling 150 feet into a college football game
A GoFundMe campaign for Patterson’s family described him as a “beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon”
Video captured the moment the military service member fell to the ground during the football game
Patterson’s loved ones described his sudden death Saturday as “earth-shattering” in the GoFundMe campaign.
The fundraiser said his wife, Nikki, had devoted herself to raising and caring for their family while Patterson was the primary financial provider. His death has left her facing the challenge of supporting their children as she mourns the loss of her husband.
Investigators have not yet determined exactly how Patterson fell to his death in front of thousands of spectators.
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US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills said Patterson’s death had been “felt deeply” by his fellow service members.
“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,” Mills said.
“Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”
Patterson served with the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, a unit that provides advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen. He had previously been stationed in Korea and Germany
During his 15 years in the Air Force, Patterson received the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal
Patterson died in a freak accident during a stunt at the Navy-University of Texas football game at San Antonio’s Alamodome
Clips from the horror episode showed Patterson hitting the turf at tremendous speed as thousands of onlookers watched on at the military football game.
Medics quickly rushed to the fallen Airman’s aid as he lay motionless, his body splayed at the 50 yard line.
‘Everybody was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent,’ witness Adrian Corey told KSAT.
Adrian’s mother, Siomara, described the unsettling confusion after the accident.
‘There was no updates after that other than asking for prayers, but it did not look good,’ she said.
Despite the pre-game incident, officials proceeded with kickoff after a 10-minute delay. UTSA went on to beat Navy, 38-34, and afterwards many players took part in a group prayer for the injured Airman.
‘I know we said a prayer postgame, but they’ll continue being our thoughts and prayers, and really thinking about them,’ Roadrunners quarterback Owen McCown told reporters.
The American Conference, which includes both Navy and UTSA, decided to proceed with the game before it was understood that Patterson had died, according to a statement from officials.
