19.10.2026 19:50
A show organized before a football match in the US ended in disaster. Air Force serviceman Ian Patterson, who was trying to descend from the stadium roof by rope, fell from a height of about 52 meters and was seriously injured. After the incident unfolded before thousands of spectators, the 15-year veteran serviceman was taken to the hospital but could not be saved despite all interventions.
A horrific incident occurred during a show held before a football game in the US state of Texas. At the Alamodome Stadium in San Antonio, one of the soldiers attempting to descend onto the field on ropes before the match between the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Navy teams fell from a height of several meters.
DISASTER BEFORE THE EYES OF 23 THOUSAND PEOPLE
Before the match played on Saturday, four soldiers began descending on ropes from the stadium's ceiling, about 52 meters high, as part of the show. However, it was stated that during the descent, Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson, serving in the US Air Force, lost control and fell rapidly to the ground. It was reported that more than 23,000 spectators were in the stands at the time of the incident.
HE WAS TREATED ON THE FIELD FOR 10 MINUTES
After Patterson fell, medical teams quickly entered the field. The seriously injured soldier was treated for about 10 minutes. Patterson, who was taken to hospital after the initial intervention, died despite all the doctors' efforts.
IT EMERGED THAT HE HAD SERVED IN THE MILITARY FOR 15 YEARS
The US Air Force announced in a statement on Sunday that the soldier who died was Ian Patterson. It was stated that Patterson, who had been in the military for about 15 years, served as a Tactical Air Control Team instructor at Joint Base San Antonio. It was reported that Patterson, who won various military medals during his service, was selected as an Air Force Special Operations Noncommissioned Officer Instructor in 2022.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE INCIDENT
After Patterson's death, military officials and colleagues published condolence messages. Wing Commander Brigadier General Scott C. Mills stated that the loss caused deep sorrow within the unit and offered his condolences to Patterson's family and relatives. UTSA management also expressed its sorrow over the incident and announced that psychological support would be provided to students and staff who witnessed the disaster. The US Air Force launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fatal fall.