AIR FORCE ACADEMY
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — An investigation is underway to determine what caused the death of a 19-year-old Taylor native studying at the United States Air Force Academy, officials said.
Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce “was found unconscious in her dormitory last night,” according to a social media post from military officials. “Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful.”
The cause of Koonce’s demise is being probed, according to the post.
Koonce had been a member of the academy’s Class of 2028 as well as an athlete on the Women’s Track and Field Team, officials said.
“We lost an incredible teammate last night,” academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement. “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.”
He added, “Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team and the entire Academy family.”
U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions awarded Koonce the Congressional Nomination for the Air Force Academy during a ceremony at Thrall Independent School District on March 27, according to previous reporting by Taylor Press.
Koonce graduated from Thrall ISD in 2024.
Koonce said she had hoped to become a pilot physical therapist at the ceremony, according to the Press story.
While a student at Thrall ISD, Koonce competed in cross country, powerlifting and track and field and was a member of the high school cheerleading squad during her senior year.
Koonce was the runner-up with a time of 12.12 seconds at the 2A state meet in 2022.
She also placed highly at state in pole vaulting with a mark of 10 feet, 6 inches and finished fourth, according to the Press article.
Heartfelt wishes and condolences have been pouring in for the teen and her family, as seen on the Press Facebook page.
“She was beautiful inside and out and one hell of an athlete! Deeply crushed by this news and praying for family!” said one post.
As of press time, no services have been announced.
