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19-Year-Old US Air Force Academy Cadet Found Dead in Dorm Room

Published

3 months ago

September 7, 2024

Sola Adeniji

The U.S. Air Force Academy is investigating the death of 19-year-old cadet Avery Koonce, who was found dead in her dorm room this week.

Cadet Avery Koonce was found unconscious in her dorm room. Family photo

Koonce, a first-year student from Tyler, Texas, was discovered unconscious in her Colorado Springs room on Thursday, according to a statement from the academy.

Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Koonce could not be revived, and the cause of death is currently under investigation.

Koonce recently shared her excitement about joining the U.S. Air Force Academy on social media.

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), who nominated Koonce to attend USAFA outside Colorado Springs, said he was âincredibly saddened to hear about the lossâ of the cadet.

Koonce passed away at the age of 19. Pete Sessions/Facebook

She posted photos of herself in academy gear and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to run track and field at the institution.

“I am beyond grateful for everyone who has helped me along this journey. All Glory To God!” she wrote in a December post on X.

Koonce, 19, of Taylor, Texas, was “found unconscious in her dormitory.” United States Air Force Academy

The academy has expressed deep sorrow over her passing. Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Academy Superintendent, stated, “We lost an incredible teammate … While only with us for a short time, Avery positively impacted her unit, her intercollegiate team, and her class — her loss will be felt across USAFA.” The academy focuses on supporting Koonce’s family, her Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the wider academy community.

The cadet previously attended Thrall High School. Avery Koonce/X

Koonce was also a standout athlete at Thrall High School in Thrall, Texas, where she set personal and school records in track events.

United States Air Force Academy Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, 19, of Taylor, Texas, was found unconscious in her dormitory last night. Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The cause of death is under investigation. Avery was a member of the Class of 2028 and an athlete on our Womenâs Track and Field team.

Koonce was attending the United States Air Force Academy Ben Ploetz/Facebook

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), who nominated Koonce to attend the academy, expressed his sadness over her death, noting her plans to major in biology and minor in kinesiology with aspirations of becoming a pilot physical therapist.