This is what I believe may have happened to the rappeller at the UTSA game. Posting the video in response to some questions you guys had about what a fatal hookup is, this is a quick demonstration to clarify. I am not associated with this case or event at all, and am just offering to share my personal insight into what might have occurred.
My background aside from being an infantryman is ive taught Air assault, Rappelmaster, and FRIES/SPIES master and conducted and overseen many thousands of descents. Based on my experience this seems to be extremely likely to have caused the uncontrolled descent
As far as the question of why were there no safeties- the nature of a tactical rappel is it is conducted without safeties and is therefore high risk. Its only on the rappeller and no one else to be 100% precise and make zero mistakes. This was a horrible accident that could have happened to anyone when conditions are right, even the best of the best, which is apparent considering who the fallen was. My prayers are with the family of Tech Sgt Ian Patterson
u/LazyItem