A service member assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the Alamodome ceiling to midfield before UTSA’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game against Navy. According to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs, he was taken to a local hospital and later died, and an investigation into the incident is underway. His identity has not been released.
The man was one of four service members scheduled for the pregame rappelling demonstration, and video shared on social media showed him descending feet first before the hard fall in front of fans and the band. The game was delayed about ten minutes before UTSA won 38-34. UTSA offered counseling services to students and expressed condolences to the service member’s family and military colleagues.
Military appreciation events at stadiums across Texas are meant to honor the people who serve, and this one ended in grief for a whole dome full of people. As details develop, our thoughts are with his family, his squadron, and the San Antonio community. Have you ever attended a military appreciation game, and what did that experience mean to you? Let us know on our social pages.