Air Force Service Member Dies After Fall During Pregame Demonstration Before Navy-UTSA Game

Fatal Accident at Alamodome Under Investigation

An Air Force service member has died from injuries sustained in a fall while attempting to rappel from the rafters of the Alamodome before Saturday’s college football game between UTSA and Navy, the Air Force confirmed. Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs announced that the service member, who was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was injured during the pregame demonstration and later died at a local hospital.

The service member’s identity has not been released, and the incident remains under investigation. The accident occurred during a pregame ceremony celebrating UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans game, an event honoring members of the military and veterans.

Service Member Fell During Pregame Rappel

As part of the ceremony, four officers were scheduled to rappel from the stadium rafters to the field approximately 15 minutes before kickoff. During the demonstration, one officer appeared to lose control while descending, sliding down the line before crashing onto the turf.

Medical personnel immediately responded to assist the injured officer. The service member was subsequently removed from the Alamodome on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital, where the officer later died from the injuries. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fall as the investigation continues.

UTSA Offers Support Following Tragedy

UTSA officials said the university was activating well-being services to support faculty, staff and students who might be emotionally affected by the incident. The game proceeded following the accident, although kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes. The matchup between UTSA and Navy took place amid the tragic circumstances surrounding the pregame ceremony.

The incident cast a shadow over an event intended to recognize and honor the men and women serving in the nation’s armed forces. Further information about the investigation and the service member’s identity had not been released as of Saturday.