Note: This story, originally reported in October 2024, is being republished due to renewed public interest.
Tragedy struck the U.S. Air Force Academy last month when 19-year-old cadet Avery Koonce of Tyler, Texas, was found dead in her Colorado dorm room. The autopsy report from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed that Avery’s untimely passing on September 4th was caused by pneumonia — a severe lung infection that experts now say might have been preventable. Her heartbreaking loss has sparked conversations about early detection and timely medical care for cadets facing similar health challenges.
Before her tragic passing, Avery Koonce likely showed classic signs of pneumonia—persistent coughing, fever, and labored breathing. The autopsy revealed she had been battling a chronic cough that grew worse in the days leading up to her death. Dr. Baden emphasized a common but dangerous reality: many people underestimate the severity of their symptoms until it’s too late, which may explain why Avery did not seek medical help in time.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office declined to comment further on the case, and neither Avery’s family nor the Air Force Academy responded to requests for additional information.
Avery was more than just a cadet; she was a celebrated athlete. A former high school track star from Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, Avery had dazzled with blazing sprint times—12.12 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.67 seconds in the 200 meters. At the Academy, she continued to pursue her passion as a valued member of the track and field team.
In a deeply moving statement, Avery’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, honored their daughter’s memory, calling her “an incredible bright light in this broken world.” They added, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”
Avery’s untimely death has ignited vital conversations about the critical need to recognize the seriousness of respiratory infections and the importance of timely medical care when symptoms persist. While her family grieves deeply, Avery’s legacy endures — her story stands as a powerful, somber reminder that even common illnesses can become fatal if left unchecked.
