SAN ANTONIO – Friends and family gathered at a San Antonio bar to remember Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, who tragically lost his life after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome ahead of a UTSA football game.
The memorial took place at Stout House near Culebra and Talley roads, a venue where Patterson was known to enjoy playing poker with friends on Tuesday nights. Those in attendance saw this gathering as a heartfelt opportunity to honor not only his dedicated military service but also the strong friendships and family connections he cultivated within the community.
“It hurt. I didn’t want to believe it at first,” shared Breanna Valdez, a close friend of Patterson. Her sentiments echoed the disbelief and grief experienced by many. “My heart broke really bad. It still hurts,” she added, expressing the profound impact of losing someone so dear.
Attendees participated in a balloon release to celebrate Patterson’s life and legacy. Tyler Hsu, another friend, emphasized the importance of remembering Patterson as a soldier, a friend, and most importantly, a devoted family man. “I want him to be remembered most as, for one, a soldier; for two, a great friend; three, a family man — family man most of all,” Hsu stated, capturing the essence of Patterson’s character.
Patterson’s tragic accident occurred on Saturday, October 17, during preparations for a ceremony honoring armed forces and veterans before the UTSA game. He was scheduled to rappel from the stadium’s rafters when the accident happened, shocking those who knew him.
Hsu reflected on the void left by Patterson’s absence, saying, “I could have sworn you would have shown up later tonight anyway. And it sucks that I know you won’t, and you’re not going to again, and I’m going to miss that so much.”
Originally from Fort Stewart, Georgia, Patterson dedicated 15 years of his life to serving in the Air Force. Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, released a statement acknowledging the deep sorrow this loss has brought to the military community. “This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” Mills expressed. “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.”
The military unit is currently focused on providing support to Patterson’s family, friends, and fellow airmen as they navigate through this difficult time. Hsu poignantly remarked on Patterson’s impact on those around him, saying, “You were so loved. You are going to be so missed. You were such a great friend to everyone here and to me.”
When asked what she would convey to Patterson, Valdez kept it simple but heartfelt: “I love you and I miss you.”
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Patterson’s family, with over $130,000 raised as of the publication of this article. The cause of Patterson’s fall remains under investigation, further adding to the community’s desire for answers and closure.
