The cause of death of the 19-year-old Air Force cadet who was mysteriously found dead in her dorm room has been revealed.
Avery Koonce, 19, from Texas, was discovered unconscious on September 4 at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy.
Despite first responders attempting live-saving measures, Koonce was pronounced dead at the scene.
But after a month-long investigation, the El Paso County Coroner’s office has been able to determine the cause of her death.
According to the autopsy report, Koonce died of a relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii.
The cause of death of the Avery Koonce, 19, an Air Force cadet who was mysteriously found dead in her dorm room has been revealed
The bacteria caused sepsis in her lungs and worsened an existing respiratory infection – leading to her death.
Paeniclostridium sordellii is associated with a toxic shock syndrome that can progress rapidly to death. It was found both in her blood and lungs.
The report also stated that Koonce’s left lung ‘exhibited histologic evidence of acute inflammation.’ She had been battling a severe cough days before her death.
In other rare cases, the bacteria can also cause pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, peritonitis, myonecrosis and has a over 70 percent mortality rate.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the source of the killer bacteria is ‘likely the vagina, which is known to be colonized with Clostridium species in some females’.
The track star’s death was ruled ‘natural’ after her cause of death was discovered.
According to the autopsy report, Koonce died of a relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria called Paeniclostridium sordellii
The bacteria caused sepsis in her lungs and worsened an existing respiratory infection – leading to her death
In a heartbreaking statement following Koonce’s death, her parents Eric and Kelly described their daughter as ‘an incredible bright light in this broken world’.
Her obituary read: ‘Avery was dearly loved. Avery, in turn, loved life and others dearly. She lived life passionately, being a friend to everyone she met.
‘Avery had a way of connecting with people, and she had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day. You only had to know Avery for a few minutes for her to make a lasting impression on you.’
Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after she graduated, reports CBS News.
The track star’s death was ruled ‘natural’ after her cause of death was discovered
Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after she graduated
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force academy’s track and field team, and often shared her sporting achievements on social media – including an impressive 12.12 second 100m record.
Following the news of her death, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind – the U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, paid tribute to her athletic achievements and the positive impact she had on her academy.
‘We lost an incredible teammate last night — 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,’ Bauernerfeind said.
‘Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family.’
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force academy’s track and field team, and often shared her sporting achievements on social media – including an impressive 12.12 second 100m record
In a heartbreaking statement following Koonce’s death, her parents Eric and Kelly described their daughter as ‘an incredible bright light in this broken world’
In a statement released through the academy, Koonce’s parents shared their heartbreak over losing their young daughter.
‘Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence,’ the statement read.
‘Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace in the knowledge Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and we will be with her again.
‘Avery was not a perfect person but was a perfect daughter. Loving on her brothers and learning how to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now.
‘We are beyond blessed for the 19 amazing years we got to call Avery ours. We are praying for all of those that are bearing the incredible darkness of her loss.’
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