The cause of death of the 19-year-old air force cadet who was mysteriously found dead in her student room has been revealed.
Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas, was found unresponsive at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy on September 4.
Despite emergency responders attempting life-saving measures, Koonce was pronounced dead at the scene.
But after a month-long investigation, the El Paso County coroner’s office was able to determine the cause of her death.
According to the autopsy report, Koonce died from a relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii.
The cause of death of 19-year-old Avery Koonce, an Air Force cadet who was mysteriously found dead in her dorm room, has been revealed
The bacteria caused sepsis in her lungs and worsened an existing respiratory infection, leading to her death.
Paeniclostridium sordellii is associated with a toxic shock syndrome that can rapidly lead to death. It was found in both her blood and lungs.
The report also stated that Koonce’s left lung showed “histological evidence of acute inflammation.” Days before her death, she had been struggling with a severe cough.
In other rare cases, the bacteria can also cause pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, peritonitis and myonecrosis, with a mortality rate of more than 70 percent.
According to the Centers for Disease Controlis the source of the deadly bacteria ‘probably the vagina, which is known to be colonized with Clostridium species in some females’.
The track star’s death was ruled ‘natural’ after her cause of death was discovered.
According to the autopsy report, Koonce died from a relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii.
The bacteria caused sepsis in her lungs and worsened an existing respiratory infection, leading to her death
In a heartbreaking statement after Koonce’s death, her parents Eric and Kelly described their daughter as “an incredibly bright light in this broken world.”
Her obituary read: “Avery was much loved. Avery, in turn, loved life and others deeply. She lived passionately and was a friend to everyone she met.
“Avery had a way of connecting with people, and she had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day. You only had to know Avery for a few minutes to make a lasting impression on you.’
Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after graduating, reports CBS News.
The track star’s death was ruled ‘natural’ after her cause of death was discovered
Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after graduating
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force Academy’s athletics team and often shared her sporting achievements on social media, including an impressive record of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters.
Following the news of her death, Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, the superintendent of the United States 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 – while Avery was with us for only a short time, having a positive impact on her unit, her intercollegiate team and her class – her loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” Bauernerfeind said.
“Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team and the entire Academy family.”
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force Academy’s athletics team and often shared her sporting achievements on social media, including an impressive record of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters.
In a heartbreaking statement after Koonce’s death, her parents Eric and Kelly described their daughter as ‘an incredibly bright light in this broken world’
In a statement released through the academy, Koonce’s parents shared their grief over the loss of their young daughter.
“Our lives will be forever diminished by her absence,” the statement read.
“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. Love for her brothers and learning to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus at this time.
“We are beyond blessed for the 19 wonderful years we were able to call Avery ours. We pray for all who bear the incredible darkness of her loss.”
