The father of a US Air Force sergeant who died after falling approximately 150 feet during a college football game has revealed that his son had been excited about taking part in the stunt.
Technical Sergeant Ian Patterson, 37, died on Saturday after losing his grip on a rope while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, during the Navy-University of Texas football game.
His father, John Patterson, told WDRB that his son had wanted to perform the stunt the previous year but did not get the opportunity.
“I was very excited. I believe he wanted to do it last year as well,” John said. “He didn’t do it last year. So this year, he had the opportunity.”
The circumstances surrounding the fatal fall remain under investigation.
Airman Dies After Emergency Treatment at Alamodome
Footage of the incident showed Patterson falling to the ground after apparently losing his grip during the rappelling display.
Medical personnel treated him on the field for approximately 10 minutes before he was taken to hospital, where he later died, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.
Witness Adrian Corey told KSAT that the stadium fell silent following the incident, with the band stopping its performance as spectators watched emergency responders attend to the airman.
Corey’s mother, Siomara, described the uncertainty that followed, saying there were no further updates beyond requests for prayers, although the situation appeared serious.
The game proceeded after a delay of around 10 minutes. UTSA subsequently defeated Navy 38-34.
The American Conference said the decision to continue the match was made before officials knew Patterson had died. After the game, players joined in prayer for the injured airman.
Roadrunners quarterback Owen McCown said Patterson and his family would remain in the team’s thoughts and prayers.
Father Says Military Service Was His Son’s Lifelong Ambition
John Patterson, an Army veteran, said his son had wanted to join the US military from a young age. He explained that military service was a tradition in their family and that Ian had grown up moving between military communities.
“He loved the Air Force. He joined right out of high school, and that’s what he wanted,” John said.
He added that his son believed military service would provide a stable career while instilling discipline and integrity.
Patterson had served in the Air Force for more than 15 years and was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. The unit conducts advanced skills training for special warfare airmen.
His previous postings included South Korea and Germany.
Decorated Sergeant Remembered by Air Force Colleagues
During his military career, Patterson received several awards, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
US Air Force Brigadier General Scott C. Mills said Patterson’s death had deeply affected colleagues and others who had served alongside him.
“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,” Mills said.
He added that the unit’s immediate focus was supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones and fellow airmen as they dealt with the loss.
Wife and Two Young Sons Left Behind
Patterson is survived by his wife, Nikki, and their two sons, aged six and three.
A fundraiser established to support the family described him as a beloved husband and father whose life had been taken too soon.
According to the fundraising appeal, Nikki had devoted herself to raising and caring for their children while Patterson served as the family’s primary financial provider.
His sudden death has left her facing the challenge of supporting their sons while grieving the loss of her husband.
The Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Foundation has also established a separate fundraising effort to help the family manage immediate expenses and provide longer-term support for the children.
Friends Remember Him as a Dedicated Family Man
Friends paid tribute to Patterson at a memorial gathering held at a local bar where he regularly played poker.
Friend Tyler Hsu told KSAT that he wanted Patterson to be remembered first as a soldier, then as a great friend, but above all as a family man.
Hsu said he still expected his friend to walk through the bar’s doors, adding that the knowledge he would never return was particularly painful.
Another friend, Breanna Valdez, described her reaction to the news of his death.
“It hurt,” she said. “I didn’t want to believe it at first.”
She added that losing a close friend in such circumstances was deeply painful and that the grief continued.
Father Shares Personal Memories of His Son
John also spoke about Patterson’s interests outside the military, describing him as an enthusiastic baseball fan who had visited every Major League Baseball stadium in the northeastern United States.
Patterson supported the Colorado Rockies after spending six years stationed in Colorado.
His father also affectionately described him as a “bourbon snob” because of his passion for collecting the spirit.
However, John said he most wanted people to remember his son for his kindness, dedication and love for his family.
“I just want to let people know that he was a wonderful man,” he said. “I love him.”
Foundation Plans Long-Term Support for Patterson’s Children
The TACP Foundation is coordinating with military officials and family support teams to raise money for Patterson’s family.
Ramiro Villalobos, who leads the foundation, told News 4 San Antonio that the organisation intends to support the two boys as they grow up, including when they turn 16, reach adulthood and pursue further education.
The initiative is intended to provide assistance at important stages of their lives following their father’s death.
“We’re there because dad can’t be,” Villalobos said, adding that the boys would have a wider community of people supporting them.
The investigation into the circumstances of Patterson’s fatal fall at the Alamodome is ongoing.
