The U.S. Air Force Academy and the small Texas town of Tyler are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Avery Koonce.

A promising 19-year-old cadet whose life was cut tragically short. Koonce, known for her remarkable talent, drive, and athleticism.

Passed away on September 4, 2024, in her dorm room in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The circumstances of her death, confirmed by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, have sent shockwaves through both the Academy and her hometown, highlighting the importance of awareness regarding respiratory illnesses, early treatment, and the seriousness of infections that may initially seem routine.