The story was updated on Sunday, October 18 at 8:30 a.m.
An Air Force soldier died Saturday evening after a rappelling accident during a pregame ceremony at the Alamodome before UTSA’s football game against Navy.
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, confirmed Sunday that the airman died at a local hospital from injuries sustained during the fall. The soldier was assigned to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, which operates out of Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis and is part of a squadron headquartered in Nellis.
The aviator was rappelled from the stadium rafters during UTSA’s annual pregame ceremony honoring the armed forces and veterans. The stadium remained silent as medical personnel tended to the soldier on the field before the individual was taken away in a golf cart.
Jasper Kenzo Sundeen / San Antonio Report
The San Antonio Fire Department confirmed the airman was transported to a hospital as a Priority 1 patient, a designation indicating a life-threatening medical emergency.
The match continued following the incident, which delayed the start of play by approximately 10 minutes.
The Air Force said the incident remains under investigation. The identity of the soldier has not been released.
Students who need help can contact the 24/7 University Crisis Hotline at 210-458-4140 and can also access resources through the TimelyCare app. University campus employees can get help through the Employee Assistance Program at 800-451-1834. UT Health employees…
— UT San Antonio (@UTSA) October 18, 2026
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Jasper Kenzo Sundeen of the San Antonio Report contributed to this report.
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