LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nellis Air Force Base has identified the service member who died following a rappelling accident at a University of Texas at San Antonio football game.
In a release shared Sunday, Air Force officials identified the airman as Tech Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
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Patterson was from Fort Stewart, Georgia, and served 15 years in the Air Force.
His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, as well as the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.
In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.
“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, said in a statement. “Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.”
Mills said the wing is now focused on supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones, and fellow airmen.
“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills said. “We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”
Details surrounding the incident are under investigation.
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