Avery Koonce: The tragic story behind her illness and passing

The life of Avery Koonce, a 19-year-old standout athlete and a U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet, was cut short due to untreated bacteria in her lungs.

The lifeless body of Koonce was found inside her dorm and despite the efforts of the paramedics to revive her, there was nothing they could do, Air Force officials reported. She was discovered by fellow cadets, who called the emergency services.

Prior to graduating from Thrall ISD, Koonce was awarded the Congressional Nomination for the academy by U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, on March 27. She was an outstanding student who competed in cross country, powerlifting and track and field. Koonce was also a distinguished cheerleader.

Following her tragic passing, it was determined by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office that Koonce died of complications from pneumonia.

As per the coroner’s report obtained by People, the 19-year-old had anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii, which is relatively rare but can be fatal. This bacteria caused sepsis and complicated an underlying, acute viral lower respiratory tract infection. As per reports, Koonce had been suffering from bad cough the days prior to her passing but she was probably unaware of the severity of her illness and failed to seek medical attention.

According to the coroner’s office, the bacteria that claimed the life of the Air Force Academy freshman “can cause serious disease or death in various clinical settings including airway infection.”

“In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia,” forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told IBT.

Koonce’s parents and family have been deeply affected by her tragic and untimely passing. “Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredibly bright light in this broken world,” they said in a statement released through the Academy. “Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence.”

On September 12, members of Koonce’s community held a memorial service at Tiger Stadium in Thrall in her honor. The service was attended by over 100 people who came to pay their tributes to the aspiring young woman who was taken too soon.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, USAFA Superintendent highlighted Koonce’s profound impact on her squadron, track team, and class, despite her brief time at the academy, saying, “We lost an incredible teammate.”

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a young life. May she rest in peace.

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