An Air Force service member died after falling from the rafters during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, ahead of the University of Texas at San Antonio football game against Navy.
Alamodome Rappelling Demonstration Turns Fatal
A group of four individuals from Detachment 2 of the Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron was lined up to descend from the stadium ceiling down onto the turf as part of the university’s yearly Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game. Video posted online showed one of the airmen appearing to lose control during the descent and falling hard to the ground. Medical staff and football crew members rushed over instantly to render aid, and a stretcher was used to evacuate the service member from the venue. The San Antonio Fire Department transported the person to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the Air Force later confirmed the airman had died.
Air Force investigates service member death after emergency
The service member’s identity has not been released. A spokesperson for Nellis Air Force Base stated that the incident is under investigation and that additional information will be released when available. Tactical Air Control Party members are trained by the 6th Combat Training Squadron, and these specialists operate side-by-side with Marine and Army units to direct air support from ground positions. The squadron is based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, though Detachment 2 operates from Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis. The emergency delayed the start of the football contest by about 10 minutes.
University activates wellbeing services following fatal rappel incident
UTSA Athletics confirmed that the rappel team consisted of members from the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, before the Air Force announced the fatality. “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues,” UTSA said in a statement. The university activated wellbeing services to support faculty, staff, and students emotionally affected by the incident, providing crisis hotline resources and employee assistance programs.
A service member with an Air Force training unit died after falling while rappelling from the rafters at a San Antonio college football game https://t.co/khL9bkbvlJ
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alamodome Incident
What unit was the service member assigned to?
The airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, based out of Nellis Air Force Base, according to a spokesperson.
When did the incident happen?
The fall occurred on Saturday night, October 17, 2026, just before 7 p.m. during pregame ceremonies for the UTSA and Navy football game at the Alamodome, as reported by the San Antonio Fire Department and KSAT.
Have authorities released the name of the deceased airman?
No, the Air Force has not released the service member’s identity, and Nellis Air Force Base stated that additional information will be provided as the investigation proceeds.
Squadron members practice rappelling from hovering helicopters
Members of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2 operate from the Chapman Training Annex at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Camp Bullis. Trainees in this program are taught to “fast rope” out of elevated installations measuring 15 to 30 feet tall, and they also drill on descending via ropes from choppers hovering at altitudes of 100 feet or greater.
Terrible news from UTSA game: “Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs issued a statement saying the service member, who was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was injured at the stadium and died at a local hospital.” https://t.co/38bqGRcbtU