A U.S. Air Force service member died after plummeting from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame demonstration for UTSA’s football game against the U.S. Naval Academy in Texas.

The incident occurred as four officers rappelled down to present the colors 15 minutes before kickoff. The service member, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, fell approximately 150 feet and was transported to a local hospital where he died.

UTSA President Taylor Eighmy stated: “Our hearts are heavy following the tragic incident at the Alamodome prior to Saturday’s UT San Antonio football game against the U.S. Naval Academy. What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness.”

The university activated wellbeing services for faculty, staff, and students who may be emotionally affected by the incident.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones expressed: “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. We will keep his family in our prayers.”

The game proceeded after a 10-minute delay, with officials confirming that the decision to play was made before public confirmation of the service member’s condition. The incident is under investigation.

Photos from the scene showed UTSA members surrounding the airman on the field as medical personnel attended to him. Witness Adrian Corey told KSAT: “Once the band started playing, there was a guy that fell down and started coming down fast. Everybody was quiet; the band stopped performing — everybody was dead silent.”