An Air Force unit responsible for training special operations airmen has suspended rappelling and ropes events after an instructor died during a public demonstration at a college football game in San Antonio, Texas. Officials confirmed the training pause to Task & Purpose.

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, an Air Force veteran with 15 years of service, was an instructor with the 6th Combat Training Squadron. He fell while participating in a rappelling demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Oct. 17 football game against Navy.

The demonstration took place at the Alamodome. Patterson fell from rafters 160 feet above the stadium’s playing field and was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center Public Affairs office confirmed that Patterson’s unit had stopped the relevant training and public events. The suspension covers both rappelling and ropes activities within the squadron.

Gun Laws Have Changed! Protect yourself by knowing where you can and cannot carry your firearm, so you can travel with confidence.

“Tech Sgt Patterson’s squadron, 6th Combat Training Squadron, has paused all rappel and ropes training events and demonstrations until further notice,” the office said in an emailed statement.

The Air Force did not specify when the suspension began or identify the official who ordered it. Officials also did not explain what conditions would have to be satisfied before the squadron could resume those events.

It remains unclear whether the suspension applies beyond the 6th Combat Training Squadron. The Air Force did not say whether other units conducting similar instruction or demonstrations are subject to the same pause.

Patterson was assigned to Detachment 2 of the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. That detachment selects and trains candidates for tactical air control party roles, commonly identified as TACP positions.

Image Credit: DoW

TACP is one of four Air Force special warfare jobs. Candidates receive instruction in basic rappelling because the service considers it a core skill for airmen serving in those roles.

Military personnel commonly use rappelling to descend steep terrain, structures and other elevated positions. The training relies on ropes and specialized equipment, and demonstrations of those skills are also conducted during public events.

The circumstances surrounding Patterson’s fatal fall remain under investigation. Nellis Air Force Base officials previously said they would not discuss operational details or possible causes while that investigation continues.

The training suspension came after Patterson’s death during the public demonstration. However, the Air Force has not explicitly said whether the fatal fall prompted the decision to pause rappelling and ropes events.

Patterson is survived by his wife, Niki, and their two young sons, according to a GoFundMe organized by his brother in law, Mitch Blunn. The family homeschooled both children.

“Our hearts are broken for Niki and her two young boys following the tragic loss of Ian, a beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon,” Blunn wrote.

The fundraiser is intended to help Patterson’s family relocate closer to relatives. It also seeks support for potential legal expenses and the financial consequences associated with his death.

For now, the 6th Combat Training Squadron’s rappelling and ropes instruction remains paused until further notice. The Air Force has provided no timetable for resuming the events as investigators continue examining the circumstances of Patterson’s fall.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.