An Air Force airman died after falling during a military rappelling demonstration held before a football game between the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Naval Academy at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The demonstration took place as part of UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans game, according to the Air Force.
A Nellis Air Force Base spokesperson confirmed the deceased airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2.
The Air Force has not released the airman's identity.
What Happened During the Descent
The demonstration was scheduled to involve four military members descending from the Alamodome's rafters to the ground.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that one participant lost control during the descent and struck the ground hard.
Football staff rushed to assist the injured airman, and medical personnel provided first aid before placing the service member on a stretcher, according to the newspaper's account.
The San Antonio Fire Department told Task & Purpose that emergency responders transported a person with life-threatening injuries to a hospital.
The Air Force later confirmed the service member had died from injuries sustained in the fall.
A Nellis Air Force Base spokesperson said the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident remain under investigation.
"The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available," the Nellis spokesperson said.
Before the Air Force confirmed the death, a UTSA Athletics spokesperson identified the rappelling team as members of the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2.
The unit trains tactical air controllers, who work alongside Army soldiers and Marines to direct and coordinate airstrikes from ground positions.
The 6th Combat Training Squadron is based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, while its Detachment 2 operates from Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis in Texas, according to the source report.
