Last month, tragedy struck at the U.S. Air Force Academy when 19-year-old cadet Avery Koonce of Tyler, Texas, suddenly passed away alone in her Colorado dorm room. The promising young woman died on September 4th after a fierce battle with a severe lung infection—one that experts now say might have been preventable.
According to a detailed autopsy from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, Avery’s cause of death was identified as paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis—a rare but aggressive bacterial infection that developed following a viral lung illness. Medical specialists stress that with timely treatment, including antibiotics and supportive care, her life could likely have been saved.
Dr. Michael Baden, a world-renowned forensic pathologist and former chief medical examiner for New York City, reviewed the findings and offered sobering insight. “In essence, Avery died of untreated pneumonia,” he explained. Dr. Baden described how the initial viral infection weakened her immune defenses, allowing the dangerous bacteria to take hold. “This was not due to any pre-existing condition. With appropriate antibiotics and fluids, her illness was manageable.”
Avery’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how critical early medical intervention can be—even for young, healthy individuals. Her loss leaves a void in the Air Force Academy community and beyond, sparking urgent conversations about better awareness and care for respiratory infections.
Before her death, Koonce likely exhibited common symptoms of pneumonia, such as persistent coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. According to the autopsy, the young cadet had been struggling with a chronic cough, which worsened in the days leading up to her death. Dr. Baden noted that many individuals don’t realize how serious their symptoms are until it’s too late, which may explain why Koonce didn’t seek treatment in time.
The El Paso County Coroner declined to comment on the case, and neither Koonce’s family nor the Air Force Academy responded to requests for further information.
Koonce, a high school track star, was well known for her athletic achievements. She had been a standout sprinter at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, where she clocked impressive times of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.67 seconds in the 200 meters. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Academy’s track and field team.
In a heartfelt statement, Koonce’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, reflected on the profound loss of their daughter, describing her as “an incredible bright light in this broken world.” They expressed, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”
Her untimely death has sparked conversations about the importance of recognizing the severity of respiratory infections and seeking medical attention when symptoms persist. While her family mourns, Koonce’s legacy lives on, and her story serves as a somber reminder of how preventable illnesses can sometimes turn fatal when left untreated.
