Avery Koonce cause of death revealed to be treatable rare bacteria that stand out teen Air Force Academy Cadet had declined to treat despite clues it was getting progressively worse.
It was an easily curable infection ….except the cadet declined to seek out medical attention.
A 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet from Texas who was found non responsive in her Colorado dorm last month and later deemed deceased has been revealed to have died the result of a rare bacteria infection.
Avery Koonce’s cause of death was determined to be the result of a ‘relatively rare’ but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii that caused sepsis, exacerbated by an underlying, acute viral lower respiratory tract infection, according to the coroner’s report from the El Paso County (Colo.) coroner’s office.
‘it was a curable situation with antibiotics,’
The bacteria ‘can cause serious disease or death in various clinical settings including airway infection,’ including pneumonia the coroner’s office stated in its release.
Koonce’s left lung ‘exhibited histologic evidence of acute inflammation.’ She had been battling a severe cough in the days before her death on Sept. 4, according to the report.
The first-year student’s manner of death was ruled ‘natural,’ according to the autopsy, People Mag reported.
‘In essence she died of untreated pneumonia,’ said famed forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who reviewed the autopsy report.
‘Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The cause of death is under investigation,’ the academy stated upon the standout cadet being found unconscious in her dorm room.
In the days before Koonce’s demise, she likely would have shown symptoms, such as coughing, fever and difficulty breathing, Baden said. On site medical records revealed the standout cadet not having to seek to on site medical clinic.
The autopsy report found the first-year cadet had a chronic cough that got worse.
Still, ‘it was a curable situation with antibiotics,’ said Baden, noting that sometimes sick people don’t seek treatment because they don’t realize how sick they actually are.
Invincible standout track and athlete star ‘who wanted to fly’
The standout athlete and student was remembered by her small town of Thrall, Texas in a memorial service where mourners were asked to wear pink on Sept. 12, the Taylor Press reported.
During the ceremony at the school district’s stadium, Air Force Academy cadets presented Avery’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, with her track shoes. A group of about 100 USAFA cadets traveled from Colorado to Texas for the service.
The Thrall High School student graduated earlier this year, ran cross country, was a cheerleader, and competed in powerlifting, among her many other extracurricular activities, according to her obituary.
Koonce who was also a sprinter at her high school, ran 100 meters in 12.12 seconds and 200 meters in 25.67 seconds.
‘I am excited to announce my commitment to the United States Air Force Academy to run track & field! I am so beyond grateful for everyone who has helped me along in this journey. All Glory To God!’ the teen wrote on X in December.
The Central Texas native made an impact on local legislators last year after receiving a nomination to the USAFA from Congressman Pete Sessions.
‘[She] said, ‘I want to be a pilot. I want to fly,” Sessions told KVUE. ‘It was everybody’s favorite daughter in Texas who would be representing not just Thrall but Texas at the United States Air Force Academy.’
