Air Force Academy Cadet, 19, Discovered Dead in Dormitory

An autopsy performed by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed that Koonce’s cause of death was “Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating Parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis.”

This rare medical combination occurs when a bacterial infection arises as a complication of a viral respiratory illness, and it is often fatal if not treated promptly.

Paeniclostridium sordellii is a highly aggressive bacterium capable of rapidly entering the bloodstream, leading to widespread infection and multi-organ failure.

The viral component, parainfluenza, is known to cause airway inflammation, persistent coughing, fever, and fluid accumulation in the lungs, all of which can weaken the immune system and create a dangerous environment for secondary infections to take hold.

The coroner’s report detailed that Koonce’s left lung exhibited acute inflammation and fluid buildup consistent with severe pneumonia.

The bacterial infection was found both in her lung tissue and bloodstream, confirming the development of sepsis — a life-threatening systemic response in which the body’s immune system, overwhelmed by infection, begins to damage its own tissues and organs.

Forensic pathologists, including renowned expert Dr. Michael Baden, emphasized that while the infection was aggressive, it was treatable with timely medical intervention.

Dr. Baden noted that Avery likely displayed classic pneumonia symptoms for several days, including persistent coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever.

Unfortunately, these warning signs were either underestimated or not addressed in time, illustrating how even young, otherwise healthy individuals can succumb to rapidly progressing respiratory infections.

Avery Koonce’s life before the Academy was marked by both academic dedication and athletic excellence.

She attended Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, where she excelled as a track and field athlete, specializing in sprint events.

Her coaches praised her discipline, determination, and natural talent, and she earned recognition both on the track and in the classroom.

Avery’s achievements extended beyond athletics; she was known for her leadership, camaraderie, and willingness to support teammates and peers alike.

At USAFA, she continued her athletic pursuits as a member of the women’s track and field team, balancing the demanding combination of military training, academic rigor, and competitive athletics — a feat that demonstrated her resilience and commitment.

Coaches and fellow cadets described her as focused, disciplined, and warm-hearted, someone who embodied the core values of the Academy while inspiring those around her.

The death of Avery Koonce had an immediate emotional impact on her family, her friends, and the broader Academy community.

Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the USAFA, reflected on Avery’s dedication and character, stating, “Avery was an incredible teammate and cadet, and her loss will be felt across the entire Academy.

She had an exceptional spirit and was committed to serving her country with honor and dedication.”

Her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, described their daughter as “an incredible bright light in this broken world,” noting that her absence leaves a void that no one can fill.

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