Airman dies after rappelling incident at UTSA-Navy game

The airman, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron Detachment 2, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

An airman died after falling to the ground during a rappelling demonstration before the football game between Navy and UT San Antonio. A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party airman assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, rappels during rappel familiarization training at Joint San Antonio–Camp Bullis, Texas, June 5, 2025. (Melissa Hydrick/U.S. Air Force) An airman died Saturday after falling to the ground during a rappelling demonstration before the football game between Navy and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The airman, assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was transported to a local hospital and later died, according to a spokesperson for Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.

“What was intended to be a day of camaraderie, tradition and celebration has been marked by profound sadness. I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the service member’s family, his fellow airmen, squadron and all those whose lives have been touched by this heartbreaking tragedy,” said Taylor Eighmy, the president of UT San Antonio, in a written statement. A video posted on social media shows the airman rapidly descending toward the football field as spectators gasp in reaction. The game was delayed for about 10 minutes, The Associated Press reported. The airman was one of four service members who were