Mystery as female Air Force cadet, 19, is found dead inside her dorm room
Air Force officials have launched an investigation after a cadet at the academy was found dead in her dormitory.
Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas, was found unresponsive Wednesday at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy.
The cause of death is unclear and authorities say they are investigating what happened.
In a heartbreaking statement following Koonce’s death, her parents Eric and Kelly described their daughter as “an incredible light in this broken world.”
Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas, was found unresponsive Wednesday at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy
Koonce was a talented athlete who was a member of the Air Force Academy track and field team and often shared her athletic achievements on social media
Koonce graduated from Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, in 2024 and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after graduation, reports CBS News.
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force Academy’s track and field team and often shared her athletic achievements on social media, including an impressive 100-meter record of 12.12 seconds.
Following the news of her passing, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, president of the U.S. Air Force Academy, paid tribute to her athletic achievements and the positive impact she had on her academy.
“We lost an incredible teammate last night. Avery was with us for a short time, but she made a positive impact on her unit, her intercollegiate team and her class. Her loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” said Bauernerfeind.
“Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the track and field team, and the entire Academy family.”
Koonce was found unconscious in her dorm room at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs (photo)
Koonce’s Air Force sergeant said the academy lost an ‘incredible teammate’
The 19-year-old’s parents described their heartbroken daughter as ‘an incredible light in this broken world’
In a statement released through the academy, Koonce’s parents expressed their grief over the loss of their young daughter.
“Our lives will be forever diminished in her absence,” the statement said.
“Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace knowing that Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and that we will be with her again.
“Avery wasn’t a perfect person, but she was a perfect daughter. Loving her brothers and learning to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus now.
“We are beyond blessed for the 19 wonderful years we got to call Avery ours. Our prayers are with all who are carrying the incredible darkness of her loss.”