Avery Koonce, a 19-year-old cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, tragically died in her dorm room in Colorado last month from a severe lung infection that experts believe could have been prevented with timely medical care.
According to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, Koonce, originally from Tyler, Texas, died on September 4 from complications related to untreated pneumonia. The official cause of death was listed as paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis resulting from parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis—a rare but dangerous bacterial infection that developed after a viral illness.
Dr. Michael Baden, a well-known forensic pathologist and former chief medical examiner for New York City, reviewed the findings and confirmed that Koonce essentially died from an untreated case of pneumonia. He explained that the viral infection weakened her immune system, making her more vulnerable to the rare bacteria. “This wasn’t due to any underlying condition,” he said. “It was a treatable illness that likely could have been managed with antibiotics and fluids.”
Koonce had reportedly been suffering from a persistent cough that worsened in the days before her death—classic signs of pneumonia that are often overlooked. Dr. Baden emphasized that many people underestimate how serious respiratory symptoms can become until it’s too late.
Neither the Air Force Academy nor Koonce’s family has issued further comments, and the coroner’s office declined to provide additional details.
Koonce was known for her athletic excellence, particularly in track and field. As a standout sprinter at Thrall High School in Texas, she posted impressive times in the 100- and 200-meter races. She continued competing as a member of the Air Force Academy’s track team.
In a statement, her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, remembered their daughter as “an incredibly bright light in this broken world,” saying her loss has left an “irreplaceable void.”
Her passing has prompted broader discussion around the dangers of ignoring persistent respiratory symptoms and the importance of early treatment. Avery Koonce’s story serves as a powerful, heartbreaking reminder that even healthy young people can fall victim to preventable illnesses when warning signs go unaddressed.
