An Air Force service member died after falling during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, before UTSA's football game against Navy on Saturday.
Nellis Air Force Base confirmed the individual was hospitalized after the incident, which took place during a ceremony honoring military personnel.
The service member was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Officials had not released his identity, and an investigation into the circumstances of the fall was underway.
The demonstration was part of UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game.
The service member was one of four military personnel scheduled to descend by rope from the stadium ceiling before kickoff.
What Happened at the Alamodome
Video of the incident shared on social media showed the uniformed service member descending rapidly before striking the ground feet first.
Medical personnel treated him on the field for several minutes before he was transported away on a gurney.
Spectators were present in the stands, while a band had assembled nearby on the field.
The incident delayed the football game by approximately 10 minutes. UTSA won the contest against Navy, 38-34.
The university issued a statement expressing sympathy for the injured service member and those close to him, and provided students with information about counseling services.
"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," UTSA said in its statement after the game.
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor described the accident as devastating when speaking to reporters after the game.
He said players could sense the effect on the crowd of more than 23,000 people when they entered the field, although he had initially been told only that an incident would delay kickoff by about 10 minutes.
Traylor characterized the accident as "heartbreaking" and separately as "tragic." He said the atmosphere in the stadium changed noticeably after the fall.
"You could tell the energy was just gone," he said. Traylor also reflected on how the incident affected his perspective on the game.
"It just really puts things in perspective. It really does," Traylor said.
According to an Air Force website, personnel involved in the demonstration belong to a specialized team that works alongside Army and Marine units.
Their responsibilities include helping direct air and artillery strikes from forward ground positions.
The Air Force's description of the team's training includes rapid rope descents, sometimes from helicopters operating at heights of 100 feet, or approximately 30 meters, or more above the ground.
Authorities were investigating what led to the fatal fall at the Alamodome.
