19-Year-Old Air Force Cadet Found Dead in Her Dorm 💔👇… See more

Avery Koonce, a 19-year-old cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, was found dead in her dorm room last month, a heartbreaking loss that experts say might have been preventable. The young woman from Tyler, Texas, passed away on September 4th due to complications from severe pneumonia, according to an autopsy report released by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.

he official autopsy report revealed that Avery Koonce’s death was caused by “paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis”—a rare but often fatal bacterial infection that developed as a complication of a viral illness. Medical experts now believe that with timely treatment, including antibiotics and supportive care, her life might have been saved.

Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who reviewed the findings, offered a sobering assessment: “In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia.” Dr. Baden, the former chief medical examiner for New York City, explained that while paeniclostridium sordellii is a rare and dangerous bacteria known to trigger toxic shock-like symptoms, it typically strikes individuals whose immune systems are already weakened. “This is not related to any pre-existing abnormality,” he noted. “Had she received appropriate medical attention—fluids, antibiotics—this may have been prevented.”

The revelation adds a heartbreaking layer to an already tragic story, highlighting how a promising young life was lost to an infection that, with early intervention, could have been treated.

Before her sudden passing, Avery Koonce likely showed signs of worsening pneumonia—persistent coughing, fever, and labored breathing. According to the autopsy report, the 19-year-old cadet had been struggling with a chronic cough that intensified in the days leading up to her death. Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden noted that many people underestimate the seriousness of such symptoms until it’s too late. “It’s possible Avery didn’t realize how sick she really was,” he said, suggesting this may be why she didn’t seek medical treatment in time.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office has declined to comment further, and both the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Koonce family have not responded to requests for additional information.

Avery was more than a dedicated cadet—she was a gifted athlete and a rising star. A standout sprinter at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, she posted remarkable times of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.67 in the 200. At the Academy, she continued to pursue her passion as a proud member of the track and field team.

In a statement filled with grief and love, her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, described their daughter as “an incredibly bright light in this broken world.” They added, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”