Cause of Death Revealed for 19-Year-Old Air Force Academy Cadet Who Was Found Unconscious in Dorm

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:United States Air Force Academy/Facebook

United States Air Force Academy/Facebook

The cause of death has been revealed for a 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet from Texas who was found unconscious in her dorm last month.

The bacteria “can cause serious disease or death in various clinical settings including airway infection,” per the coroner’s office.

Koonce’s left lung “exhibited histologic evidence of acute inflammation.” She had been battling a severe cough in the days before her death on Sept. 4, the report states.

The first-year student’s manner of death was ruled “natural,” according to the autopsy.

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During the ceremony at the school district’s stadium, Air Force Academy cadets presented Avery’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, with her track shoes, according to the newspaper. A group of about 100 USAFA cadets traveled from Colorado to Texas for the service.

Avery Koonce/X

The Thrall High School student graduated earlier this year, ran cross country, was a cheerleader, and competed in powerlifting, among her many other extracurricular activities,according to her obituary.

The Central Texas native made an impact on local legislators last year after receiving a nomination to the USAFA from Congressman Pete Sessions.

“[She] said, ‘I want to be a pilot. I want to fly,’ " Sessions toldABC affiliate KVUE. “It was everybody’s favorite daughter in Texas who would be representing not just Thrall but Texas at the United States Air Force Academy.”

source: people.com