The U.S. Air Force Academy is mourning the loss of one of its most promising young cadets. Nineteen-year-old Avery Koonce, a first-year cadet from Tyler, Texas, was found unresponsive in her dorm room in Colorado Springs.
An official autopsy by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed a heartbreaking truth: Avery died from paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis, a rare bacterial infection that developed following a severe case of viral laryngotracheobronchitis, a serious complication linked to pneumonia.
While her condition was rare, medical experts made one devastating point clear—her death could have been prevented with timely medical care.
Dr. Michael Baden, a renowned forensic pathologist who reviewed the case, explained the findings simply:
“In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia. This bacteria is rare and dangerous, but her initial illness was something modern medicine can treat—if caught early.”
The conclusion was especially painful for Avery’s family and community. In the days leading up to her death, she had been battling a worsening cough and fatigue—symptoms so common that many people dismiss them as nothing more than a seasonal bug. Like many young, strong individuals, Avery may have underestimated how serious her illness truly was.
“Young adults often push through illness,” Dr. Baden noted. “They don’t want to seem weak or think rest will solve it. But pneumonia can overwhelm even the healthiest body when ignored.”
Her sudden passing shocked the Academy. Known for its rigorous standards and strong sense of discipline, it is rare for the institution to lose a cadet under such circumstances. Avery’s death has forced cadets and faculty alike to confront the fragility of life—even among the most driven and resilient.
Her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, released a statement that reflected their grief and pride:
“Avery was an incredibly bright light in this broken world. Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”
As the investigation continued, friends and teammates shared memories of Avery’s passion and strength. But soon, the details of her athletic career and the impact she had on others would paint an even clearer picture of the extraordinary young woman the world has lost…
