According to a forensic pathologist, cadet Avery Koonce died of an illness, and it could have been prevented with appropriate treatment.
Avery Koonce was a member of the class of 2028 and an athlete of the US Air Force Academy when she was found unconscious in her dormitory on September 4, 2024. Academy first responders arrived on the scene and carried out life-saving measures but they were unsuccessful.
Avery Koonce in her cheerleading outfit, from an X post dated August 3, 2023 | Source: X/AveryKoonce
A month later, an autopsy report has been released, revealing details surrounding her death, and why this could have been prevented.
As per the report from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, Koonce died as a result of “Paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotraceobronchitis.” Popular forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden explained that this meant she died of untreated pneumonia.
Avery Koonce, a track and field star, in action, from a Facebook post dated September 10, 2024 | Source: Facebook/austinpolevaultandthrows
The coroner identified paeniclostridium sordellii as an uncommon but potentially deadly anaerobic bacterium linked to a toxic shock-like condition that can lead to a quick fatal outcome. However, the coroner’s report indicated that this was a secondary issue to the primary cause, a viral lung infection caused by parainfluenza.
Baden expounded on this, saying the bacteria “could have been treated with penicillin,” while the viral issue could potentially have been managed with fluids and antibodies.
In the period leading up to Koonce’s death, she likely experienced symptoms like coughing, fever, and trouble breathing. The viral infection also likely weakened her immune system, allowing the bacterial infection to thrive.
The autopsy report found that Koonce, who was from Taylor, Texas, had a chronic cough that got worse. Even so, Baden, the former chief medical examiner of New York City, reiterated, “It was a curable situation with antibiotics.” He also clarified that her death was not linked to any underlying health issues.
Koonce’s teammates were devasted by her sudden death. Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind wrote on Facebook, “We lost an incredible teammate last night. While only with us for a short time, Avery positively impacted her unit, her intercollegiate team, and her class – her loss will be felt across USAFA.”
Avery Koonce, a US Air Force Academy cadet, from a Facebook post dated September 10, 2024 | Source: Facebook/austinpolevaultandthrows
The Academy emphasized its commitment to supporting Koonce’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy community. Academy chaplains, mental health professionals, and leadership were assured to provide full support services to cadets, faculty, and staff.
Avery Koonce, a track and field star, from a Facebook post dated September 10, 2024 | Source: Facebook/austinpolevaultandthrows
The Academy also extended its heartfelt condolences to Koonce’s family, friends, and loved ones, adding, “Avery, may you find blue skies and tailwinds as you rest forever in peace. #NeverForgotten.”
Koonce’s parents also spoke of their “perfect daughter,” who loved on her brothers, Benjamin and Colt Koonce. They referred to her as “an incredible bright light in this broken world,” whose loss they will have to learn to live with.
Avery Koonce in her cheerleading outfit, from an X post dated August 3, 2023 | Source: X/AveryKoonce
Koonce was laid to rest on September 12, 2024, at Taylor City Cemetery. On the same day, the family held a memorial at the stadium of Thrall High School, where she was a high school track and field star. She also participated in cheerleading, cross-country, and powerlifting.
After the memorial service, the family hosted lunch at First Baptist Church in Taylor. In her obituary, the family praised her for how she lived her life passionately, connecting with everyone, making friends, and brightening anyone’s day with her smile.
They revealed how persistent Koonce was, going after her dreams with determination until she fulfilled them. This character, devotion, and strength, saw her receive a congressional nomination to the US Air Force Academy in March 2024. This was a task no one from her community had accomplished before.
When she got this prestigious nomination, Koonce said, “I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Air Force Academy and pursue my passion. I am going to major in biology and minor in kinesiology. I am hopeful to become a pilot physical therapist and eventually prolong the (careers) of pilots.”
The family also penned in the obituary, “Avery’s grit and commitment were noticed by her teammates, which led to her being the driving force on any team that she was a part of, encouraging her teammates with a stern but loving demeanor.”
Koonce will always be remembered as someone who strived to do what was right for herself and for others. Her parents, who have expressed their deep love for her, have shared that they find comfort in knowing she is now in the care of her Heavenly Father and that they will be reunited with her one day.
