Air Force officials have launched an investigation after an academy cadet was found dead in her dormitory.
Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas, was discovered unresponsive Wednesday at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
The cause of his death is unclear and authorities say they are investigating what happened.
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.”
Avery Koonce, 19, of Texas, was discovered unresponsive Wednesday at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Koonce was a talented athlete who was a member of the Air Force Academy track and field team and often shared her athletic achievements on social media.
Koonce graduated in 2024 from Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after graduation, reports CBS News.
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force Academy’s track and field team, often sharing her athletic achievements on social media, including an impressive record of 12.12 seconds in the 100 meters.
Following news of his death, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, paid tribute to his athletic achievements and the positive impact he had on his academy.
“Last night we lost an incredible teammate. Although she was only with us for a short time, Avery made a positive impact on her unit, her intercollegiate team and her class. Her loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” Bauernerfeind said.
‘Our team is focused on supporting the Avery family, Cadet Squadron 38, the track and field team, and the entire Academy family.’
Koonce was found unconscious in her dorm room at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs (pictured)
Koonce Air Force Staff Sgt. said the academy lost an “amazing teammate”
The 19-year-old’s heartbroken parents described their daughter as “an amazing, bright light in this broken world.”
In a statement released through the academy, Koonce’s parents shared their grief over the loss of their young daughter.
“Our lives will be forever diminished by his absence,” the statement read.
‘Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace knowing that Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and that we will be with her again.
‘Avery wasn’t a perfect person, but she was a perfect daughter. Loving her siblings and learning to live with the loss of Avery is our only focus right now.
“We feel beyond blessed to have had 19 wonderful years with Avery. We are praying for all those who are enduring the incredible darkness of her loss.”