US Airman Dies After Falling 150ft During Pre-Match Stunt at Texas Stadium

A US airman has died after falling about 150 feet during a rope-descent demonstration at a college American football game in Texas.

The incident occurred on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, shortly before the University of Texas at San Antonio faced the US Naval Academy in an annual game honouring the armed forces.

Four airmen were scheduled to descend from the stadium roof using ropes about 15 minutes before kick-off.

However, one of the servicemen, who belonged to the US Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron, appeared to lose control during the descent and slid down the rope before hitting the playing field.

Video recorded by a spectator showed the crowd gasping as the airman struck the ground, with shocked spectators rising from their seats.

He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. Military officials had not released his identity at the time of the report.

A spokesman for Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada said the incident was under investigation.

“The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available,” the spokesman told local media.

The University of Texas at San Antonio also expressed sadness over the incident.

“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at the start of tonight’s game,” the university said in a statement.

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the soldier who was affected, his family and his military colleagues.”

The university added that psychological support was being made available to staff and students affected by the incident.

The Alamodome is a 64,000-seat indoor stadium in San Antonio that hosts sporting events and other large gatherings.

The fatal incident comes amid other reported mishaps involving pre-match displays at sporting events.

In December 2025, a fireworks display at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore went wrong before an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots when a firework shot down from the roof towards the playing field.

In January 2026, a parachutist at the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, became entangled in camera wires above the field and fell towards the ground. He survived the incident.

A flypast before an international rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand also raised safety concerns after jets appeared to pass close to the top of the stadium. Airlink, the South African airline that coordinated the display, said the manoeuvre had been carefully planned and the aircraft remained within permitted limits.