An investigation is underway after an Air Force Academy cadet was found dead in his dorm room in Colorado Springs.
The academy identified the woman as Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas. She graduated from Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, in 2024 and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after.
Koonce was found unconscious on Wednesday.
United States Air Force Academy
She was an athlete on the track team. profile on X She reported running 100 meters in 12.12 seconds and 200 meters in 25.67 seconds.
“We lost an incredible teammate last night. 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 Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. “Our team is focused on supporting Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the track and field team and the entire Academy family.”
The cause of his death is under investigation.
On Saturday, the academy released a statement from Koonce’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce:
“Our daughter, Cadet Avery Koonce, was an incredible light in this broken world. Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence. Avery is truly loved by so many. We are at peace knowing that Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and that we will be with her again. Avery was not a perfect person, but she was a perfect daughter. Loving her brothers and learning to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now. We are beyond blessed for the 19 incredible years we were able to spend with Avery. We pray for all who carry the incredible darkness of her loss.”