October 19, 2026 - 8:35 am

Nellis Air Force Base has identified the service member who died after he fell hard as he rappelled from the ceiling to midfield before a college football game on Saturday.

Nellis identified the man as U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

The incident occurred at a University of Texas at San Antonio game on Saturday.

Officials noted that Patterson was from Fort Stewart, Georgia, and served 15 years.

His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster, the statement said.

According to officials, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level in 2022.

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander. “Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills said. “We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”

The incident remains under investigation.