Air Force member dies after pregame incident at UTSA–Navy football game
A service member assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, died at a hospital after an incident at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The incident is under investigation.
A U.S. Air Force service member died at a hospital after being injured during a pregame incident at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy on Saturday, October 17, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs said the incident is under investigation.
The service member was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, according to the Air Force base’s statement reported by CBS News and the Associated Press. The statement said the member was injured at the stadium and died at a local hospital. The Air Force had not disclosed the person’s name, NBC Sports reported.
What witnesses reported at the Alamodome
CBS News reported that witnesses told its affiliate KENS the service member fell while rappelling from the stadium ceiling during a ceremony before kickoff. A KENS photographer said the person landed near the middle of the field, according to the station’s account relayed by CBS. The witness account describes the fall; investigators have not established its cause.
NBC Sports reported that the ceremony was part of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans game. The injury occurred before the football game began. UTSA and Navy went on to play, with UTSA winning 38–34, according to the Associated Press.
UTSA offers support after the incident
UTSA said it was ‘deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game.’ In a statement reported by CBS News, the university offered its thoughts to the service member’s family and military colleagues. It also said it was activating wellbeing services for faculty, staff and students who might be emotionally affected.
Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs said the incident remained under investigation. Its statement, as reported by CBS News and the Associated Press, did not identify a cause. CBS News said it had sought additional comment from the base.
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Sources and context
- U.S. service member dies after suffering injury at UT San Antonio football stadiumCBS News; reports that KENS reported the witness account
- Air Force service member died from fall before Navy-UTSA game in San AntonioNBC Sports (Mike Florio), republished by Yahoo Sports
- Nellis Air Force Base: Service member dies after incident at UT San Antonio-Navy gameThe Banner, republishing Associated Press
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.