An airman from the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, died after falling while rappelling from the Alamodome rafters during a pregame demonstration for UTSA’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans night, the Air Force and Nellis Air Force Base said. Four military members were scheduled to descend to the field about 15 minutes before kickoff. Video and witness accounts show one service member began an uncontrolled slide and struck the turf hard.
Medical personnel and football staff immediately rendered aid, placed the injured airman on a stretcher and moved him from the field. The San Antonio Fire Department said it transported a person with a life threatening injury to a hospital. Officials later confirmed the airman died of his injuries after being treated at a San Antonio area hospital, the Air Force said.
The start of the game was delayed about 10 minutes, and UTSA defeated Navy 38 to 34. UTSA issued a statement saying the university was deeply saddened and offering wellbeing services to students and employees. Coach Jeff Traylor said the incident drained the stadium’s energy and put things in perspective for players and spectators.
Response Investigation And Unit Background
Nellis Air Force Base said the incident is under investigation and that it will release more information as it becomes available. The base identified the service members as assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, but it did not name the deceased. The American Conference said it consulted with both teams, Alamodome management, local authorities and a working group to review what happened.
News reports described the Alamodome catwalks and roof as roughly 160 to 170 feet above the playing field, information included in stadium materials and reporting. Task & Purpose and other outlets noted the 6th Combat Training Squadron trains terminal air controllers who practice rapid rope insertion techniques, including rappelling from helicopters and high anchors. Task & Purpose also said Detachment 2 operates from Joint Base San Antonio Camp Bullis, while other reporting tied the detachment to Nellis Air Force Base.
Civic and university leaders expressed sorrow. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, American Conference officials and San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones offered condolences. Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody praised students and staff who shielded the injured airman and preserved dignity during treatment. UTSA posted crisis hotline information and said TimelyCare and employee assistance programs are available for those affected.
The Air Force described the event as a pregame rappelling demonstration. It said more information will be released as officials complete their review of the incident.
