Avery Koonce excelled as an athlete at her high school in Texas, establishing records in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Because of her love of running, she joined the women’s track and field team at the Air Force Academy. Sadly, she is only 19 years old and no longer has the freedom and rush that come with the activity she loves.
The entire Air Force Academy community, including her family and friends, is devastated by her sudden passing.
First responders from the Air Force Academy showed up at Avery Koonce’s dorm room in Colorado Springs on September 4, 2024.
Published on Thursday, September 7, 2023 by Avery Koonce
It was horrible to see 19-year-old Avery lying dead, and no matter how hard they tried to bring her back to life, it was too late. Without any obvious injuries to account for her terrible fate, she was pronounced dead at the site.
Avery was initially found unresponsive in her bunk by other cadets, CBS News said. Her friends and family were heartbroken, thus an investigation was quickly started to give them answers.
The reason for death
Tragically, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office autopsy proved the truth. Avery had passed away due to complications resulting from pneumonia.
“Paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis”—a severe bacterial infection that developed after a viral infection in her lungs—was the cause of death, according to the New York Post.
A rare anaerobic bacterium that causes toxic shock-like syndrome is Paeniclostridium sordelli, according to Wikipeida.
People reported that Avery, a freshman in the Air Force Academy, had been experiencing a terrible cough in the days preceding her death, and that her condition was further complicated by an acute viral lower respiratory tract infection.
Unfortunately, there may have been a way to avoid this devastating loss. According to forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who IBT talked with, if her disease had been identified sooner, antibiotic therapy might have had a major impact.
The sepsis-causing bacteria took advantage of the weakened immune system brought on by the viral infection to emerge as a secondary infection.
shocked everyone.
The bacteria was discovered in both her left lung and blood.
Dr. Baden clarified that she died essentially from untreated pneumonia, adding that symptoms including fever, coughing, and breathing difficulties were probably caused by the combination of the bacterial sepsis and viral lung infection.
It seems that Avery might not have really understood how bad her situation was, which is what caused this unfortunate result.
Her sudden death was a shock to everybody who knew her. After graduating from Thrall High School in Texas, she was starting her freshman year at the Air Force Academy. Avery was described as a focused and driven student who maintained excellent grades while excelling in cross country, band, powerlifting, and cheerleading.
Her goal was to become a pilot’s physical therapist, therefore she planned to major in biology and minor in kinesiology.
On September 12, around 100 of Avery’s Air Force Academy classmates went from Colorado to Texas to attend a memorial service at Tiger Stadium in Thrall.
“We lost an incredible teammate,” USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind remarked, emphasizing Avery’s significant influence on her class, squadron, and track team despite her short tenure at the academy.
After Avery’s abrupt departure, her family also sent an emotional statement via the academy, saying, “Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredibly bright light in this broken world.” Her departure will permanently impair our quality of life.
Numerous people genuinely adore Avery. Knowing that we will see Avery again and that she is in the arms of her Heavenly Father gives us peace. Avery was a perfect daughter, but she was not a perfect person. Our sole priorities at this time are caring for her brothers and adjusting to Avery’s loss. We are incredibly grateful for the 19 incredible years we were able to call Avery our own. For everyone who is dealing with the amazing gloom of her loss, we are praying.
Track athlete of the year, cross country leadership award, and outstanding girls lifter for powerlifting! Junior year sports banquet ✅ pic.twitter.com/7GCaDbvmMI
— Avery Koonce (@AveryKoonce) May 16, 2023
As we commemorate Avery, let’s honor her drive, her aspirations, and the positive influence she had on everyone in her vicinity. From her family and friends back home in Thrall to her students at the Air Force Academy, her lively attitude and unwavering commitment to her goals impacted the lives of many.
Avery, rest in peace!
