Investigation launched after Air Force airman fatally falls before UTSA football game

An Air Force service member died Saturday after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome ahead of UTSA's game against Navy.

The airman was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, out of Nellis Air Force Base.

His identity has not been released, and the incident is under military investigation.

The demonstration was part of UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces & Veterans pregame ceremony.

Four officers were scheduled to rappel onto the field 15 minutes before kickoff.

SKYDIVER'S PARACHUTE GETS STUCK ON SCOREBOARD AT VIRGINIA TECH SPRING GAME IN HARROWING SCENE The service member appeared to lose control during his descent, slid down the line, and crashed onto the turf.

Medical personnel treated him onsite before transporting him by stretcher to a local hospital, where he later died.

The personnel involved in the demonstration are specialized tactical air controllers who embed with Army and Marine ground units to direct air and artillery strikes.

Their operational training regularly includes rapid rope insertions from heights of 100 feet or more.

THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.

DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW! Kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes.

UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor called the incident "heartbreaking" and "tragic," noting the immediate shift inside the stadium.

"You could tell the energy was just gone," Coach Traylor said.

"It just really puts things in perspective.