Airman Involved In Pregame Incident Passes Away At Hospital

A U.S. Air Force service member has died after suffering critical injuries in a rappelling accident at the Alamodome in San Antonio before Saturday’s football game between UTSA and Navy.

According to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs, the service member was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. The individual was injured while participating in the pregame demonstration and later died at a local hospital. Officials have not released the service member’s identity, and the incident remains under investigation.

The accident occurred during UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans game, where four officers were scheduled to rappel from the stadium’s rafters to the field approximately 15 minutes before kickoff. During the descent, one officer appeared to lose control and slid down the rope before striking the turf. Medical personnel responded immediately, and the injured officer was transported to a nearby hospital on a stretcher.

UTSA expressed sadness over the incident and extended its condolences to the service member’s family and military colleagues. The university also announced that well-being resources would be made available to students, faculty and staff affected by the tragedy. Despite the incident, the game proceeded after kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes.