Her love for running propelled her to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she joined the women’s track and field team.
Avery Koonce, a gifted athlete from Thrall High School in Texas, made a name for herself with record-breaking performances in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. But at just 19 years old, her promising journey came to a devastating end.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
On September 4, 2024, emergency responders were called to Avery’s dorm room at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. What they found was heartbreaking—Avery was unresponsive. There were no visible signs of trauma, leaving everyone searching for answers.
Fellow cadets had discovered her unconscious, prompting a swift investigation to determine what had happened to the young cadet with such a bright future.
Medical Findings: A Rare and Fatal Infection
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office later revealed that Avery died due to complications from pneumonia. Specifically, she suffered from Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis, which developed from parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis—a severe viral infection of the lower respiratory tract.
The viral illness had weakened her immune system, allowing the bacteria to invade and trigger a fatal response.
According to forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, her death might have been preventable. “In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia,” Dr. Baden stated.
A Shocking Blow to Her Community
Avery’s death shocked the Air Force Academy and her hometown. Her academic goals included majoring in biology and minoring in kinesiology, with dreams of becoming a physical therapist for pilots.
Honoring a Life Gone Too Soon
On September 12, a memorial service was held at Tiger Stadium in Thrall, Texas. Over 100 classmates from the Air Force Academy traveled to attend, honoring the memory of a friend and teammate who made a lasting impact in just a short time.
Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy, shared heartfelt words: “We lost an incredible teammate. Avery had already made a profound impact on her squadron, her track team, and her class.”
A Family’s Tribute to Their Daughter
In a statement through the Academy, Avery’s family expressed their grief and love:
“Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredibly bright light in this broken world. Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence. Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace in the knowledge Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and we will be with her again… Loving on her brothers and learning how to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now.”
A Legacy of Light and Determination
Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and teammates.
As her community mourns, they also celebrate the light she brought into the world—a light that, even in absence, continues to shine.
Rest in peace, Avery. You will never be forgotten.
