The U.S. Air Force has identified the service member who died following an incident at a University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) game on Oct. 17 as a Fort Stewart native.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, died in a fall at the Alamodome prior to the Navy-UTSA football game on Saturday.

Tech. Sgt. Patterson served 15 years in the U.S. Air Force. His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.

In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander. “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. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

“Our relationship with local community partners is incredibly important to our airmen, especially during difficult times like these,” Mills said. “We are grateful to the San Antonio community and our mission partners at Joint Base San Antonio for the care, compassion and support they have shown.”

Said UTSA President Tayor Eighmy: “In moments like these, words can offer only so much comfort. But I hope the service member’s family, his fellow airmen and all those grieving know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. We stand together in sadness, united by our compassion for one another and our heartfelt support for all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.”

Details surrounding the incident are under investigation.