A tragic incident has struck the U.S. Air Force Academy as a 19-year-old cadet, Avery Koonce, was found dead in her dormitory in Colorado last month. Experts suggest that her untimely death could have been avoided, as it was caused by pneumonia—a condition that, if treated properly, may have been manageable. Koonce, originally from Tyler, Texas, passed away on September 4 after suffering from complications of a severe lung infection, according to an autopsy report from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
The report revealed that Koonce died from “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis”—a rare but serious bacterial infection that followed a viral lung infection. Medical experts believe that had she received prompt antibiotic treatment and proper care, her life could have been saved.
Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent forensic pathologist and former chief medical examiner for New York City, reviewed the autopsy findings and explained, “She essentially died from untreated pneumonia.” He clarified that while paeniclostridium sordelli is an uncommon bacteria linked to toxic shock-like syndromes, it was the viral infection that likely weakened her immune system, leaving her vulnerable to the bacterial infection. “This wasn’t due to any pre-existing condition,” Dr. Baden stated, emphasizing that the situation could have been managed with timely medical intervention such as antibiotics and fluids.
Prior to her death, Koonce likely displayed classic signs of pneumonia, including persistent coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. According to the autopsy, she had been battling a chronic cough, which worsened in the days before her death. Dr. Baden highlighted that many people may not realize how severe their symptoms are until it’s too late, possibly explaining why Koonce did not seek medical attention sooner.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office declined to comment on the case, and neither Koonce’s family nor the Air Force Academy has responded to requests for further details.
Koonce, a standout athlete, was well known for her achievements as a track star in high school. She was a sprinter at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, where she posted impressive times of 12.12 seconds in the 100-meter race and 25.67 seconds in the 200-meter. At the time of her death, she was also a member of the Academy’s track and field team.
Her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, shared their devastation in a moving statement, describing their daughter as “an incredible bright light in this broken world.” They expressed, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”
The loss of Avery Koonce has sparked discussions about the importance of recognizing the severity of respiratory infections and seeking medical care when symptoms persist. While her family grieves, her memory endures, serving as a poignant reminder of how preventable health conditions can sometimes lead to fatal outcomes when not treated in time.
