A US Air Force sergeant who died after falling 150 feet into a college football game has been identified as a young father-of-two. 

Tech Sergeant Ian Patterson, a decorated service member who had been in the military over 15 years, died on Saturday in a freak accident during a stunt at the Navy-University of Texas football game at San Antonio’s Alamodome . 

In a GoFundMe set up for Patterson’s grieving family, he was described as a ‘beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon.’

‘In an instant, their family’s world changed forever,’ the fundraiser read.

Footage of Patterson’s death showed the airman losing his grip on a rope as he rappelled from the rafters of the football game, and he fell violently to the ground. 

He was treated on the field for around 10 minutes before being carted off and rushed to the hospital, where he later died, according to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs. The incident is under investigation. 

Officials said Patterson was with the 6th Combat Training Squadron, a unit that conducts advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and he had previously been stationed in Korea and Germany. 

He was a highly decorated airman over his 15 years in the Air Force, including being awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

A US Air Force sergeant who died after falling 150 feet into a college football game has been identified as young father-of-two Ian Patterson 

In a GoFundMe set up for Patterson’s grieving family, he was described as a ‘beloved husband and father whose life was taken far too soon’ 

Video captured the moment the military officer plummeted to the ground at the football game

In Patterson’s GoFundMe, his loved ones said his sudden death on Saturday was ‘earth-shattering’ to his family. 

They wrote that his wife, Nikki, had been dedicated to raising and caring for their family while he was their primary financial provider, and his death means she ‘is now facing the challenge of supporting her children while grieving the loss of her partner.’ 

Details of how Patterson fell to his death in front of thousands remain under investigation. 

US Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills said in a statement following the tragedy that Patterson’s death was ‘felt deeply’ by his fellow officers. 

‘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,’ Mills said. 

‘Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.’

Patterson was with the 6th Combat Training Squadron, a unit that conducts advanced skills training for special warfare Airmen, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and he had previously been stationed in Korea and Germany

Patterson died in a freak accident during a stunt at the Navy-University of Texas football game at San Antonio’s Alamodome

Clips from the horror episode showed Patterson hitting the turf at tremendous speed as thousands of onlookers watched on at the military football game. 

Medics quickly rushed to the fallen Airman’s aid as he lay motionless, his body splayed at the 50 yard line.

‘Everybody was quiet, the band stopped performing. Everybody was dead silent,’ witness Adrian Corey told KSAT.

Adrian’s mother, Siomara, described the unsettling confusion after the accident.

‘There was no updates after that other than asking for prayers, but it did not look good,’ she said. 

Despite the pre-game incident, officials proceeded with kickoff after a 10-minute delay. UTSA went on to beat Navy, 38-34, and afterwards many players took part in a group prayer for the injured Airman.

‘I know we said a prayer postgame, but they’ll continue being our thoughts and prayers, and really thinking about them,’ Roadrunners quarterback Owen McCown told reporters.

The American Conference, which includes both Navy and UTSA, decided to proceed with the game before it was understood that Patterson had died, according to a statement from officials.