USAFA Cadet Death

B

BBMomma

Proud Mom of a USAFA C/O '27 Cadet
Joined
Oct 22, 2021
Messages
275
Such a sad day for our USAFA cadets as we mourn the loss of Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, 19, of Taylor, Texas.

Avery was a member of the Class of 2028, Cadet Squadron 38, and she was on USAFA Women's Track and Field team.

Last night, Avery was found unconscious in her dorm room. Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The cause of death is under investigation.

From the USAFA Facebook page:
"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. Our team is focused on providing support to Avery's family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family." - Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5566.jpeg
    IMG_5566.jpeg
    732.2 KB · Views: 79
Every parent's worst nightmare. May God grant comfort to her family, friends and fellow cadets. Just one more reminder to hug your loved ones and tell them how you feel. Tomorrow is promised to no one.
 
So sorry for this tragedy. My heart goes out to her family, friends and the cadets.
 
Team USAFA,

Last night, we unexpectedly lost a teammate…Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce of Cadet Squadron 38. She was found unconscious in her dormitory Wednesday night. Academy first responders were called and attempted life saving measures, which were unsuccessful. Her cause of death is under investigation.

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 the Academy. Avery was from Taylor, Texas, a member of the Class of 2028, and an athlete on our USAFA Track and Field team with a passion for sprinting.

Please look out for one another as we navigate this loss. Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and all of you. A full complement of support services including Academy chaplains, mental health professionals, leaders, and others are in place should you need them for additional support. In our grief, we must come together as a team and support each other.

Here’s a toast…

Very Respectfully

Tony

Tony D. Bauernfeind

Lieutenant General, USAF

Superintendent
 
pv123 said:
My freshman cadet texted us early this morning very upset as they were friends and teammates -will be talking with him later today. So tragic
Click to expand...
I’m so sorry for your boy… it’s so difficult when a friend and such a young life is lost.
 
Deeply saddened about such a gorgeous young woman's passing.
She and her family is in our thoughts and prayers with deepest sympathy,
 
soccer67 said:
I hope the relevant details are released if only to avoid any controversy over lack of transparency.
Click to expand...
Usually for investigations with public/media attention, news agencies will submit a FOIA request and get a redacted copy (names and PII being the biggest things that get redacted on those, along with some very private details). Sometimes the military gets ahead of the curve and puts out a redacted copy once it’s ready if they know they’ll immediately get a bunch of FOIA requests about it

Her family will get a less redacted copy of the investigation as they’re her next of kin.

Sounds like a tragic event, and I’m wishing the best for her friends and loved ones
 
(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — An autopsy report by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed the cause of death for the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) 19-year-old cadet who died in early September...According to the autopsy report requested and released to FOX21 News on Monday, Sept. 30, Koonce had a history of chronic cough that had severely worsened, and the Coroner said the cadet died as a result of “Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis.”

 
soccer67 said:
(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — An autopsy report by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office revealed the cause of death for the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) 19-year-old cadet who died in early September...According to the autopsy report requested and released to FOX21 News on Monday, Sept. 30, Koonce had a history of chronic cough that had severely worsened, and the Coroner said the cadet died as a result of “Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis.”

Click to expand...
Paeniclostridium sordellii infections are very rare, but they can occur in specific conditions such as wounds, post-partum situations, or in immunocompromised individuals. It's unclear why it wasn't treated in a timely manner, which raises concern.
 
TinTin said:
Paeniclostridium sordellii infections are very rare, but they can occur in specific conditions such as wounds, post-partum situations, or in immunocompromised individuals. It's unclear why it wasn't treated in a timely manner, which raises concern.
Click to expand...
It's unclear why it wasn't treated in a timely manner, which raises concern.

Exactly. "Koonce had a history of chronic cough that had severely worsened."

  • 19 years old
  • Track and Field Athlete
  • Middle of the summer
  • AF Academy Cadet
This cadet was in their care.
Who dropped the ball?
What is the punishment?
How will this not happen again?
 
usafa1993 said:
It's unclear why it wasn't treated in a timely manner, which raises concern.

Exactly. "Koonce had a history of chronic cough that had severely worsened."

  • 19 years old
  • Track and Field Athlete
  • Middle of the summer
  • AF Academy Cadet
This cadet was in their care.
Who dropped the ball?
What is the punishment?
How will this not happen again?
Click to expand...
I don’t know what happened or in what context she didn’t receive medical care. But I saw a lot of people who were visibly very ill being told to go back to training under the threat of failing basic during second beast. As far as I know after missing more than the allowed time myself, they only actually failed a couple people (mostly those with chronic issues) and cadre / PP were over-exaggerating to scare those who weren’t actually that sick. I understand cadets will do anything to skip training but after my experience, I can’t help but feel people who were legitimately super sick were ignored because it was “just Jack’s hack.” The actual medical providers were fine if not overzealous, but I guess they had to be because Form 18s were pretty regularly ignored even by cadre.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top