The recent passing of 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, Avery Koonce, has been officially attributed to a case of untreated pneumonia caused by a rare bacterial infection. The Texas-native was found unresponsive in her dorm room at the Air Force Academy in Colorado on September 4, where efforts to save her life were unsuccessful, according to an autopsy report cited by MySA and the International Business Times.
The autopsy, released by the El Paso County Coroner's Office, pointed to "paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis" as the cause of death; MySA details this as stemming from a bacterial infection that arose after a viral lung infection, while the International Business Times echoed the findings, noting that the bacterium is capable of causing toxic shock-like syndrome which can rapidly progress to death if untreated. In the wake of Koonce's untimely demise, the academy's superintendent, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, described her death as devastating, and the cadet's family stated "Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence," showcasing the profound ramifications of her loss.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, reviewing the autopsy report, indicated to the International Business Times that the infection Koonce suffered could have been addressed with appropriate antibiotic treatment had it been detected earlier; the viral infection had compromised her immune system, which allowed the deadly bacteria to rapidly proliferate, resulting in severe complications.
Koonce's sudden departure is felt across both the Air Force Academy and her hometown of Tyler, Texas, the cadet known for her athletic and academic potential was a member of the USAFA women's track and field team and looked forward to a bright future, Rep. Pete Sessions, who had nominated her to the academy, honored her memory by stating to International Business Times, "Her passing is a heartbreaking loss for everyone who knew her," which underscores the impact Koonce's untimely departure has had on those who were part of her life.
