Photo: United States Air Force Academy
The US Air Force Academy is investigating the death of a 19-year-old first-year cadet, Avery Koonce, who was found unconscious in her dorm room in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Despite attempts at life-saving measures by first responders, Koonce was pronounced dead. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
Koonce, a native of Tyler, Texas, was a member of USAFA's class of 2028 and a part of its women's track and field team. She graduated from Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, in 2024 and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly afterward.
“We lost an incredible teammate last night. 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. Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family," Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement on Facebook.
Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated Koonce for the U.S. Air Force Academy, remembered her as an "exceptional leader" and "talented athlete" who dreamed of becoming a pilot.
"I was incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of USAFA Cadet Avery Koonce. It was my honor to nominate Cadet Koonce to the US Air Force Academy where she had begun her studies, planning to major in biology and minor in kinesiology with hopes of becoming a pilot physical therapist. Cadet Koonce was a talented athlete and member of the USAFA track team. She will be remembered by her community in Taylor, Texas as an exceptional leader. Please join me in praying for her loved ones," Sessions wrote on X.