The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, before a college football game between the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Naval Academy.
Video recorded from the stadium stands reportedly captured the moment Patterson descended on a rope from the rafters before falling onto the field.
According to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base, the airman was rushed to a local hospital but later d+ied from injuries sustained in the fall.
Patterson was reportedly assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. He was recognised for his service and received several military decorations, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
In 2022, he was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level, according to Nellis Air Force Base.
Reacting to his d+eath, Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, paid tribute to Patterson and expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
“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,” Mills said.
He added that the Air Force team was focused on supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones and fellow airmen as they dealt with the loss.
The circumstances surrounding the fall are under investigation.
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