Local
Nellis-assigned service member dies after pregame rappelling demonstration in San Antonio
A member of a Nellis Air Force Base unit died after falling during a pregame rope descent at UT San Antonio’s Alamodome. The Air Force is investigating what led to the fall.
A service member assigned to a Nellis Air Force Base unit died Saturday after falling during a pregame rappelling demonstration at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Alamodome, officials said.
The service member was taken to a local hospital after the fall and later died, Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs said. The person’s identity had not been released as of Sunday. An investigation was underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The demonstration was part of UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game, against Navy. Four military members were scheduled to take part. Video posted on social media showed a uniformed participant descending toward midfield before hitting the ground; the person was treated on the field and taken away on a gurney.
The game was delayed about 10 minutes. UTSA said it was deeply saddened and offered students access to counseling resources. Coach Jeff Traylor later described the incident as heartbreaking and tragic, saying the crowd’s energy had changed noticeably before kickoff.
The service member was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. Air Force specialists in this work embed with Army and Marine units and help direct air and artillery strikes from forward positions. Their training includes rapid rope descents, sometimes from helicopters more than 100 feet above the ground.
UTSA went on to beat Navy 38-34. The university and military officials had not announced further details about the investigation.