A 19-year-old United States Air Force Academy cadet was found dead this week in her dormitory room, the academy said.
Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce was found unconscious in her dorm Wednesday night at the institution, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Air Force Academy said.
“Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful,” the academy said in a post on Facebook Thursday.
Her cause of death is under investigation, the academy said.
Avery was a member of the class of 2028 and was on the academy’s women’s track and field team.
The United States Air Force Academy released this photo of Cadet Avery Koonce.
United States Air Force Academy/Facebook
“We lost an incredible teammate last night,” Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement on Thursday. “While only with us for a short time, Avery positively impacted her unit, her intercollegiate team, and her class — her loss will be felt across USAFA.”
Koonce was from Taylor, Texas, the academy said. She was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School.
Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated her for the U.S. Air Force Academy, remembered her as an “exceptional leader” and “talented athlete” who dreamed of becoming a pilot.
“I was incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of USAFA Cadet Avery Koonce,” Sessions said in a statement. “It was my honor to nominate Cadet Koonce to the US Air Force Academy where she had begun her studies, planning to major in biology and minor in kinesiology with hopes of becoming a pilot physical therapist.”
The U.S. Air Force Academy said it is offering support services to cadets, faculty and staff.
The US Air Force Academy was rocked by tragedy recently when the body of a 19-year-old cadet was discovered in his dormitory. The cadet, whose name has not been released, was found unresponsive in his room by fellow cadets who immediately alerted authorities. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the cadet’s death are still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that there were no signs of foul play. The cadet was reportedly in good health and had no known medical conditions, leading officials to believe that his death may have been the result of a tragic accident or sudden medical event.
The loss of a young cadet is always a heartbreaking event, and the entire Air Force Academy community is mourning the loss of one of their own. The cadet’s classmates and instructors are said to be devastated by the news, and grief counselors have been made available to provide support to those who are struggling to cope with the loss.
In a statement released by the Air Force Academy, officials expressed their condolences to the cadet’s family and friends, and pledged to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. They also emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all cadets, and stated that they would be reviewing their policies and procedures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The death of a young cadet is a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges that come with military service. It serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices that these young men and women make in service to their country, and the importance of supporting them both in times of crisis and in times of celebration.
As the Air Force Academy community comes together to mourn the loss of one of their own, they are also reminded of the strength and resilience that defines their institution. The cadets who walk the halls of the Academy are some of the best and brightest that our country has to offer, and they will undoubtedly honor their fallen comrade by continuing to strive for excellence in all that they do.
In the coming days and weeks, as more details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the cadet’s death, the Air Force Academy community will undoubtedly come together to support one another and to honor the memory of their fallen comrade. And as they do so, they will be reminded once again of the bonds that unite them as members of the United States Air Force.
