Avery Koonce was a standout athlete at her Texas high school, setting multiple records in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Her passion for running led her to join the Air Force Academy’s women’s track and field team. Unfortunately, she can no longer experience the exhilaration and independence that come with her beloved activity at the young age of 19.
Her unexpected death has saddened her family, friends, and the whole Air Force Academy community.
On September 4, 2024, emergency workers arrived at the Colorado Springs dorm room of Air Force Academy freshman Avery Koonce.
Despite their best efforts to revive her, it was too late when they discovered 19-year-old Avery dead. It was depressing. She was declared dead at the scene because there were no visible signs of trauma to explain her awful destiny.
According to CBS News, fellow cadets first discovered Avery unresponsive in her bunk. An investigation was promptly launched to give her grieving family and friends answers.
Cause of death
The autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed a heartbreaking fact. Complications from pneumonia had claimed Avery’s life.
The New York Post reports that the cause of death was “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” a serious bacterial illness that followed a viral infection in her lungs.
According to Wikipeida, Paeniclostridium sordelli is a rare anaerobic bacterium that can result in toxic shock-like syndrome.
Avery’s condition deteriorated significantly due to an acute viral lower respiratory tract infection, and according to People, the Air Force Academy student had a severe cough in the days leading up to her death.
Unfortunately, there may have been a way to prevent this terrible tragedy.Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told IBT that antibiotic treatment could have had a significant effect if her illness had been detected earlier.
The bacteria that triggered the sepsis became a secondary infection by exploiting the compromised immune system produced by the viral infection.
Everyone was taken aback.
The bacterium was found in her blood and left lung.
“Basically, she died from untreated pneumonia,” Dr. Baden stated, adding that symptoms including fever, coughing, and breathing difficulties were likely brought on by the combination of the viral lung infection and bacterial sepsis prior to her death.
It appears that Avery’s inability to fully comprehend the gravity of her predicament led to this regrettable conclusion.
Her unexpected passing shocked everyone who knew her. She was beginning her freshman year at the Air Force Academy after graduating from Thrall High School in Texas. Avery was characterized as a dedicated and motivated student who excelled in cheerleading, powerlifting, band, and cross country while maintaining exceptional grades.
She intended to study in biology and minor in kinesiology since she wanted to work as a physical therapist for pilots.
On September 12, over 100 of Avery’s classmates from the Air Force Academy went from Colorado to Texas to attend a memorial service at Tiger Stadium in Thrall.
Avery made a big impact on her class, squadron, and track team during her brief time at the school. “We lost a fantastic teammate,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, USAFA Superintendent.
Avery’s family, who were heartbroken by her sudden departure, also sent an impassioned statement to the academy, saying, “Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredibly bright light in this broken world.” Our lives will always be negatively impacted by her absence.
“Avery is genuinely loved by so many people.” We find peace in the knowledge that Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and that we will see her again. Avery was the perfect daughter in spite of her flaws. Right now, taking care of her brothers and determining how to handle Avery’s loss are our only priority. We are immensely thankful for the 19 amazing years we had Avery as our own. We are praying for everyone coping with the awful sadness of her death.
As we remember Avery, let’s celebrate her ambitions, her determination, and the good impact she made on everyone in her vicinity. Her vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to her goals affected a wide range of people, including her pupils at the Air Force Academy and her family and friends back home in Thrall.
