An Air Force service member died after falling from the Alamodome rafters during a military rappelling demonstration before the UTSA-Navy football game on October 17, 2026. The incident is under investigation, and the airman's identity has not been released.
- The airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, based at Nellis Air Force Base and Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis.
- The fall occurred shortly before 7 p.m. during UTSA's annual 'Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans' game at the Alamodome.
- Emergency personnel treated the airman on the field for about 10 minutes before transporting him to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
- The game was delayed approximately 10 minutes following the accident, which was witnessed by an estimated 23,297 spectators.
- Officials from UTSA, the American Conference, and the City of San Antonio have expressed condolences and are coordinating with authorities; wellbeing services were activated for those affected.
The Air Force Has Confirmed Airman’s Death While Rappelling From the Alamodome Rafters Before Saturday’s UTSA-Navy Game
An Air Force service member died Saturday night after falling from the Alamodome rafters during a military rappelling demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy.
The unidentified airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, according to a spokesperson for Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. His identity has not been released, and the incident remains under investigation.
The accident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 during UTSA’s annual “Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans” game at the Alamodome.
Witnesses said the airman was among four military service members participating in a pregame ceremony that involved rappelling from the stadium’s ceiling onto the football field.
Video circulating on social media shows the airman descending a rope before suddenly falling onto the turf as spectators screamed.
Emergency medical personnel rushed onto the field, where they treated the airman for approximately 10 minutes before removing him on a stretcher.
The game was delayed about 10 minutes following the accident. An estimated 23,297 spectators attended Saturday’s matchup.
Mayor Jones Offers Condolences
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also responded to the airman’s death in a statement posted to social media Sunday. Jones said she was “deeply saddened” by the news and offered prayers for the service member’s family.
“We will keep his family in our prayers,” Jones said. “May perpetual light shine upon him.”
The American Conference, which oversees both football programs, issued a statement following the accident, saying officials had consulted with representatives from both universities, Alamodome management and local authorities.
The conference said it would respect the family’s privacy and coordinate further updates with the appropriate authorities.
UTSA President Responds to Airman’s Death
UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy released a statement Sunday expressing condolences to the airman’s family, fellow service members and those who witnessed the accident.
“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,” Eighmy said.
“What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness.”
Eighmy thanked the San Antonio Fire Department, university medical staff and athletic trainers, Alamodome personnel and others who responded to the emergency. He also emphasized the impact of the tragedy beyond those who attended the game, acknowledging the grief experienced by the airman’s family, friends, fellow service members and the broader San Antonio community.
UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos echoed those sentiments, saying the incident served as a reminder that some moments extend far beyond football.
“Today, our hearts are with this service member’s family, his fellow airmen and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy,” Campos said.
The university also announced it was activating wellbeing services for faculty, staff and students who may have been emotionally affected by the incident.
Air Force Investigating Fatal Alamodome Fall
The airman belonged to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, which conducts specialized training for tactical air control party personnel, including rappelling and other military operations.
The unit operates at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, with its parent squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
The Alamodome, owned by the City of San Antonio, has a ceiling approximately 170 feet above the playing field. The exact distance the airman fell has not been officially confirmed.
The circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear.
The Air Force has not announced when its investigation will be completed or when additional details may be released.
