An Air Force service member died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome ahead of UTSA’s game against Navy.
The airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, out of Nellis Air Force Base. His identity has not been released, and the incident is under military investigation.
A sign near the main gate of Nellis Air Force Base is shown on April 3, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nev. On Friday, the 99th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Cavan Craddock, declared a public health emergency at the base because of the coronavirus, allowing greater access to health care resources and more authority to limit access to the installation. Beginning April 6, access to the base was limited to mission-essential personnel and those who reside there. (Getty Images)
The demonstration was part of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans pregame ceremony. Four officers were scheduled to rappel onto the field 15 minutes before kickoff.
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The service member appeared to lose control during his descent, slid down the line, and crashed onto the turf. Medical personnel treated him onsite before transporting him by stretcher to a local hospital, where he later died.
The personnel involved in the demonstration are specialized tactical air controllers who embed with Army and Marine ground units to direct air and artillery strikes. Their operational training regularly includes rapid rope insertions from heights of 100 feet or more.
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Kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor called the incident “heartbreaking” and “tragic,” noting the immediate shift inside the stadium.
A Navy Midshipmen player leans on his helmet during a timeout lightshow during the game between Navy and FAU at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., on Sept. 12. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“You could tell the energy was just gone,” Coach Traylor said. “It just really puts things in perspective. It really does.”
UTSA Roadrunners head coach Jeff Traylor greets people before the game between the South Florida Bulls and the UTSA Roadrunners on Oct. 8, 2026, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In a public statement, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said:
“Our hearts are heavy following the tragic incident at the Alamodome prior to Saturday’s UT San Antonio football game against the U.S. Naval Academy. What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness. I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member’s family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
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San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also issued condolences via social media:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an Air Force service member following an unfortunate accident at Saturday’s UTSA-Navy football game. We will keep his family in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him.”
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