AIRMAN DIES AFTER ALAMODOME FALL BEFORE UTSA-NAVY GAME
An Air Force airman died after an Alamodome rappelling fall during a pregame ceremony before UTSA played Navy.
The airman, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, fell just before 7 p.m. on October 17, 2026, during a demonstration at UTSA’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game in San Antonio, the San Antonio Fire Department told KSAT.
Witness Adrian Corey said the fall came right as the music started. “Once the band started playing, there was a guy that fell down,” he told KSAT, “and started coming down fast.”
The band stopped and the crowd went silent. “Everybody was quiet; the band stopped performing,” Corey said.
Witnesses said UTSA staff surrounded the airman while medical personnel treated him. Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody praised that response: “I was moved to see students and staff step up to provide privacy and dignity as medical personnel worked to save his life.”
Siomara Corey, another witness, said, “It was a very sad moment.” She added, “There was no updates after that other than asking for prayers, but it did not look good.”
The airman was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, ABC News reported. Nellis Air Force Base confirmed his death to KSAT just after midnight on October 18, 2026.
The start of the game was delayed about 10 minutes, Texas Public Radio reported. The game went on, and the American Conference said that decision was made before Nellis publicly confirmed the airman’s condition, CBS News reported.
“All of us at the American Conference are heartbroken by the death of the U.S. Air Force service member who took part in the pregame demonstration at the Alamodome on Oct. 17,” the conference said in a statement.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said she was “deeply saddened” and added, “We will keep his family in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him.”
UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy said, “The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond those who were present at the Alamodome. It touches families, friends, fellow service members and so many throughout our community.”
The Air Force said the incident is under investigation. The American Conference said it is working with its member schools, the Alamodome and local authorities to review what happened, and a Nellis spokesperson said more information would be released as it becomes available.
UTSA and the conference said they are providing support resources for people affected. UTSA students can reach a 24/7 crisis hotline or use the TimelyCare app.
UT San Antonio said it would display a “solemn white candle” on its monuments and student union tower lights this week in remembrance of the airman, KSAT reported.
