An Air Force officer has died after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome before the University of Texas at San Antonio's home game against Navy on Saturday.
The officer, who has not been named, was taking part in an event to celebrate UTSA's Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans night. He fell onto the field while rappelling down from the stadium rafters. He was treated on the field before being taken away on a stretcher and later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Details of the incident
Nellis Air Force Base said the officer was part of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, a unit that helps train military members to rappel down from helicopters. The Alamodome roof is around 170ft above the field.
In video of the incident, the crowd could be heard reacting when the officer fell. The start of the game was delayed for around 10 minutes after the incident.
Reaction and response
UTSA coach Jeff Traylor said after the game: "There was something – you could just tell that the energy was just gone [from the crowd]. I've never had to deal with anything like that before. It just puts things in perspective. It really does."
UTSA said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight's game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues."
