Air Force member dies after rappelling fall before UTSA football game
In short
A U.S. Air Force member died at a hospital after falling during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday. Nellis Air Force Base said the service member belonged to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2; the incident is under investigation.
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A U.S. Air Force member died after falling during a rappelling demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy on Saturday. The fall took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio during the pregame ceremony for UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game. Nellis Air Force Base said the service member was injured at the stadium and later died at a local hospital. [ 2 , 4 , 8 ]
The service member, whose identity had not been released, was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, according to the base. He was one of four military personnel scheduled to participate in the demonstration. CBS News and CNN described video showing him descending feet first before landing on the field, where he received treatment for several minutes before being taken away on a gurney. [ 4 , 8 ]
The incident is under investigation. Newsweek reported that officials had not disclosed what caused the fall. The start of the game was delayed by about 10 minutes, but the match went ahead. CNN reported that UTSA defeated Navy 38–34. [ 8 , 9 ]
UTSA expressed sadness over the incident and offered counselling service contacts for students, CNN reported. The university said its thoughts were with the service member, his family and military colleagues. The Hill reported that UTSA was activating wellbeing services for faculty, staff and students who might be emotionally affected. Coach Jeff Traylor described the accident after the game as heartbreaking and tragic. [ 7 , 8 ]
Why it matters
The fatal fall occurred during a game honouring service members and veterans. UTSA offered counselling contacts and said it was activating wellbeing services for its community.
Key facts
- The service member fell during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome. [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 , 10 ]
- Nellis Air Force Base said the service member died at a local hospital. [ 2 , 4 , 8 , 10 ]
- The incident is under investigation. [ 2 , 4 , 8 , 10 ]
- The game against Navy was delayed by about 10 minutes. [ 5 , 8 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What caused the fall. The incident is under investigation, and Newsweek reported that officials had not disclosed the cause.