A US Air Force Academy cadet tragically passed away last month in her Colorado dorm room, and experts suggest that her death, caused by pneumonia, could have been avoided. Avery Koonce, 19, of Tyler, Texas, died on September 4th, after suffering from complications of a severe lung infection, according to an autopsy report released by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
The report indicated that Koonce’s cause of death was “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection that was secondary to a viral lung infection. Medical experts believe this could have been treated with timely antibiotics and other basic interventions.
The El Paso County Coroner declined to comment on the case, and neither Koonce’s family nor the Air Force Academy responded to requests for further information.
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Koonce, a high school track star, was well known for her athletic achievements. She had been a standout sprinter at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, where she clocked impressive times of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters and 25.67 seconds in the 200 meters. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Academy’s track and field team.
In a heartfelt statement, Koonce’s parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, reflected on the profound loss of their daughter, describing her as “an incredible bright light in this broken world.” They expressed, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”
Her untimely death has sparked conversations about the importance of recognizing the severity of respiratory infections and seeking medical attention when symptoms persist. While her family mourns, Koonce’s legacy lives on, and her story serves as a somber reminder of how preventable illnesses can sometimes turn fatal when left untreated.
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