Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson Dies in Rappelling Accident at Football Game

Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, October 19, 2026 —

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, an Air Force service member, died in a rappelling accident during a pre-game demonstration at a college football game between UTSA and the U.S. Naval Academy.

The available information identifies Patterson’s rank and Air Force service, and says the accident occurred during a demonstration before the game. It does not provide the date or location of the event, or identify the venue.

Details about how the accident happened have not been provided. The information also does not state whether an investigation is underway, identify any other people involved, or describe the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s death beyond noting that it followed a rappelling accident. No statements from the Air Force, the universities, or event organizers were included.

The game is identified as a college football matchup between UTSA and the U.S. Naval Academy. The available account does not specify the game’s date or provide further details about the pre-game demonstration, including who organized it or what it involved beyond rappelling.

Additional information about Patterson, including his age, hometown, length of service and assignments, was not provided. The circumstances of the accident and any subsequent official findings are also unknown from the information available here. The facts established in the account are that Patterson was an Air Force service member, that he died in a rappelling accident, and that the accident occurred during a pre-game demonstration connected to the matchup.

Story summarized from the original created by Amanda Alvarado on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.

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