Brief

Air Force service member dies after falling during pre‑game ceremony at UT San Antonio football game

The service member, part of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, was injured at the Alamodome and later died at a local hospital.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 18:06:38 GMT

A U.S. Air Force service member assigned to Nellis Air Force Base died after being injured during a pre‑game ceremony at the University of Texas at San Antonio football game on Saturday, according to statements from Nellis AFB Public Affairs and local news reports.

What happened

The incident occurred before kickoff during a ceremony at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The service member fell while rappelling from the stadium ceiling and landed near the middle of the field. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

What the reports add

Both the Associated Press story on winnipegfreepress.com and the CBS News report cite Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs as confirming the service member’s assignment to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, and that the death is under investigation. CBS News adds that the fall was reported by CBS affiliate KENS, which quoted witnesses and a KENS photographer describing the fall.

What was said

UTSA released a statement expressing that it was "deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight's football game" and offered "our heartfelt thoughts and prayers" to the soldier, his family and colleagues. The statement was reported by CBS News.

How it came about

The pre‑game ceremony was part of the opening festivities for the UTSA Roadrunners’ game against the Navy Midshipmen. Earlier this week, Felo News covered security concerns at U.S. military installations abroad, including the RAF Fairford incident (RAF Fairford incident), highlighting heightened attention to military personnel safety at public events.

Key facts

A U.S. Air Force service member assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, died after falling during a pre‑game ceremony at the UT San Antonio football game. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The fall occurred while the service member was rappelling from the ceiling of the Alamodome and landed near the middle of the field. (cbsnews.com)
UTSA issued a statement expressing sadness and offering prayers to the soldier and his family. (cbsnews.com)
The incident is under investigation by authorities. (winnipegfreepress.com)