Avery Koonce was more than just an exceptional athlete—she was a bright, determined young woman whose talent and spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. At Thrall High School in Texas, she earned a reputation as a standout sprinter, setting records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

Her incredible work ethic and passion for running led her to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, where she joined the women’s track and field team, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life. But tragically, her journey was cut short at just 19 years old.

On September 4, 2024, emergency responders were called to Avery’s dorm room at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Inside, they found her unconscious. Despite immediate medical intervention, it was too late—Avery was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no external signs of injury, and her sudden death sent shockwaves through her family, friends, teammates, and the entire Academy community.

Initial confusion quickly gave way to a desperate need for answers. According to CBS News, Avery’s fellow cadets were the first to find her unresponsive and had alerted authorities. The El Paso County Coroner’s Office conducted a thorough autopsy, which revealed that

Avery had died from complications stemming from pneumonia. The medical examiner reported that her cause of death was “Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis”—a severe bacterial infection that developed in the aftermath of a viral respiratory illness.

Paeniclostridium sordellii is a rare, aggressive bacterium that can lead to toxic shock-like symptoms. According to health sources, the bacteria is anaerobic and extremely dangerous, especially when it goes undetected. In Avery’s case, the bacteria had entered her bloodstream and her left lung, likely as a secondary infection after her body was weakened by a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. She had reportedly been dealing with a harsh cough in the days prior to her passing, a symptom that may have seemed benign at first but tragically masked a far more serious condition.

Medical experts say this heartbreaking loss might have been preventable. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told IBT that with early detection and antibiotic treatment, Avery’s outcome could have been very different. “In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia,” Dr. Baden explained, adding that signs such as difficulty breathing, fever, and severe coughing may have been present but underestimated.

Avery’s passing stunned everyone around her. As a freshman just starting her academic and athletic career at the Air Force Academy, she had her entire future ahead of her. A recent graduate of Thrall High School, Avery had excelled not only in track but in a wide range of activities—she was involved in cheerleading, cross country, band, and powerlifting. On top of her athletic and extracurricular involvement, she maintained excellent grades, showing just how driven and multi-talented she was.

At the Academy, Avery planned to major in biology and minor in kinesiology. Her dream was to become a physical therapist, specifically to support pilots in maintaining their physical fitness and rehabilitation. It was a career path that combined her love for science, movement, and service.

In the wake of her death, the Air Force Academy and her hometown honored her memory with heartfelt tributes. A memorial service was held on September 12 at Tiger Stadium in Thrall, Texas. Nearly 100 of Avery’s classmates from the Academy traveled all the way from Colorado to pay their respects—a testament to the impact she made in such a short amount of time.

Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, Superintendent of the Air Force Academy, spoke at the service, stating, “We lost an incredible teammate.” He reflected on the positive energy Avery brought to her squadron, her track team, and her entire class. Even though her time at the Academy was brief, the impression she made was undeniable.

Avery’s family, crushed by her sudden and tragic loss, released an emotional statement through the Academy. “Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredibly bright light in this broken world. Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence.” They went on to express gratitude for the time they had with her, acknowledging the profound love she shared with her brothers and the entire family.

“Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace in the knowledge Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and we will be with her again. Avery was not a perfect person but was a perfect daughter. Loving on her brothers and learning how to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now. We are beyond blessed for the 19 amazing years we got to call Avery ours. We are praying for all of those that are bearing the incredible darkness of her loss.”

As the community continues to mourn her loss, it’s clear that Avery’s legacy lives on through the people she touched. Her commitment to excellence, her warmth, and her drive to pursue her dreams serve as an inspiration. Though her life ended far too soon, her light continues to shine in the memories of those who knew and loved her. She was more than a cadet, more than a runner—Avery Koonce was a young woman full of promise, kindness, and strength, and she will never be forgotten.