The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado has launched an investigation after a 19-year-old cadet was found dead in her dorm room this week.
Cadet Officer 4th Class Avery Koonce, 19, of Taylor, Texas, was “found unresponsive in her dorm room” Wednesday night and rescue attempts by first responders were unsuccessful, the academy said in a statement. Koonce was set to graduate in 2028 and was a member of the women’s track and field team.
“We have lost an incredible teammate… Although she was with us for only a short time, Avery made a positive impact on her unit, her intercollegiate team and her class – her loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Our team is focused on supporting Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the track and field team and the entire Academy family.”
“Avery, may you find blue skies and a tailwind as you rest forever in peace,” the Academy added.
Koonce attended Thrall High School, according to the Austin American-Statesman, which quoted the district superintendent as saying she was student council president and a National Honor Society leader.
“She was the embodiment of our high school,” Superintendent Tommy Hooker told the newspaper. “She’s what you would expect from a well-rounded student. Our community is a little distraught. We’re just devastated.”
U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated Koonce to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, also told the Austin American-Statesman that he was “incredibly saddened to learn of the loss of Cadet Koonce.”
“She was a thoughtful and articulate young woman, well prepared for success at the United States Air Force Academy. … Cadet Koonce was a remarkable leader and her loss is felt by her Texas community and her fellow USAFA cadets,” Sessions added.
