‼️ UPDATE — The Air Force sergeant who fell 170’ to his death from the Alamodome rafters in front of thousands of football fans had waited a year for the chance to take part in that military demonstration. Now his grieving father is revealing how excited they were about the opportunity that would tragically leave two little boys without their daddy. Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson was just 33 when he fell during a rappelling demonstration before Saturday’s UTSA and Navy football game in San Antonio, Texas. His father, John Patterson, told Kentucky television stations WDRB and WAVE that Ian had hoped to participate in the annual tribute the previous year but didn’t get the chance. “I was very excited. I believe he wanted to do it last year as well,” John recalled in the interview with them. “He didn’t do it last year. So this year he had the opportunity.” Ian had served his country for 15 years, following in the footsteps of his father, an Army veteran. But behind the uniform was a loving husband and father to two little boys, ages 6 and 3. His wife, Niki, is now facing the heartbreaking reality of raising their sons without him. Her brother has started a fundraiser to help with living expenses and eventually moving closer to family. And as of Thursday morning, more than $160,000 had been raised to support them. Ian’s father remembers a hardworking, kind young man who loved baseball, especially the Colorado Rockies, and was proud to serve his country. When asked what he wanted people to remember about his son, John told WDRB and WAVE: “I just want to let people know that he was a wonderful man. I love him.” Meanwhile, Ian’s fellow airmen are promising to stand beside his children as they grow up. Ramiro Villalobos with the TACP Foundation told our reporter at Fox SA: “We’re there because dad can’t be.” The Air Force is still investigating what caused Ian’s fatal fall. Please keep Niki, their two little boys and Ian’s grieving parents in your prayers. And if you have a moment, leave this family a message of comfort and encouragement. I hope those boys grow up knowing just how much their daddy was loved.