The U.S. Air Force identified Ian Patterson, a technical sergeant who died on October 17, 2026, during a demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
The airman was taking part in a pregame ceremony intended to honor the Armed Forces.
He was supposed to descend by rope from the roof structure, about 52 meters above the ground, but began descending uncontrollably and ultimately crashed onto the field.
The tragedy unfolded in front of more than 23.000 spectators and was captured on video.
Patterson was taken to a hospital, where he died.
In 2022, he had been named Air Force Special Warfare Instructor of the Year, in recognition of his professional career.
His colleagues and superiors deeply mourned his loss.
The institution announced an investigation to determine what caused the accident.
A ceremony intended to honor military service ended up claiming the life of one of its own participants.