A member of the Air Force died from his injuries Saturday after falling during a pregame rappelling demonstration ahead of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy.
During the pregame ceremony for UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game, four officers were to rappel down the rafters of the Alamodome before kickoff, according to ESPN. Videos on social media of the incident show one of the members appearing to lose control during the descent and crashing into the turf before medical personnel rushed to the airman.
The service member who died at the hospital was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, according to a Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs spokesperson. The incident is under investigation, and the individual’s name has not been released.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy released a statement Sunday in the wake of the “heartbreaking tragedy,” calling for thoughts and prayers to those grieving.
“What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness,” the statement reads in part. “I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member’s family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy. I am very grateful for all the City of San Antonio Fire Department medical staff, our own team medical staff and trainers, Alamodome staff, and all our colleagues that supported efforts on the field and afterwards.”
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also posted a statement Sunday, saying she was “deeply saddened” by news of the airman’s death.
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“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of an Air Force service member following an unfortunate accident at Saturday’s UTSA-Navy football game,” Jones wrote on X. “We will keep his family in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon him.”
The game resumed after the incident, with UTSA winning 38-34.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
