The Air Force has launched the identification of the service member who died after falling from the 170-foot rafters in entrance of hundreds of horrified followers at a University of Texas at San Antonio soccer recreation on Saturday.

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, of the sixth Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, was recognized as the airman who died, Nellis Air Force Base said.

Patterson fell during a fast-rope demonstration from the rafters of the Alamodome before UTSA’s recreation against Navy.

The Air Force recognized Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson as the airman who died after falling during a fast-rope demonstration at the Alamodome. @Qu4k3r0ats/X

Videos circulating on social media appeared to present the airman sliding uncontrollably down the rope as one of 4 service members in a demonstration deliberate for the pregame coin toss.

He was handled on the subject for about 10 minutes before being rushed to a hospital, where he died.

Patterson, a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, had served honorably in the Air Force for 15 years.

During his time in service, he was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, as nicely as the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force said.

Patterson was also named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force stage in 2022.

Patterson fell during a fast-rope demonstration from the rafters of the Alamodome before UTSA’s recreation against Navy. @Qu4k3r0ats/X

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander.

“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. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our Airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills added.

Patterson was handled on the subject for about 10 minutes before being rushed to a hospital, where he died. KSAT 12

“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.”

The Alamodome, which is owned by the City of San Antonio, has a ceiling of roughly 170 ft.

More than 23,000 followers were in attendance for Saturday’s recreation.

UTSA officers expressed concern for the airman and for followers current during the fall.

“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s football game. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues,” a college spokesperson instructed the San Antonio Express-News.

“We recognize that members of our campus community may be emotionally affected by this incident and are activating wellbeing services to support our faculty, staff and students.”