Community remembers fallen cadet
THRALL — While a community continues to wait for answers in the case of Avery Koonce, a 19-year-old Taylor native who died unexpectedly while a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, friends and family continue to keep her memory alive.
Mourners recently honored the former Thrall Independent School District graduate and track standout during a memorial service Sept. 12 at Tiger Stadium.
The freshman cadet was found unconscious in her Colorado Springs, Colorado, dormitory Sept. 4 and could not be revived by paramedics, according to Air Force officials.
Family, teachers, friends, squadron members and more attended the local service to honor Cadet 4th Class Koonce, a member of the Class of 2028.
Koonce graduated from Thrall ISD in 2024. While a student, she competed in cross country, powerlifting and track and field.
She was also a member of the high school cheerleading squad.
Prior to graduating, Koonce was awarded the Congressional Nomination for the academy by U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, on March 27.
According to Air & Space Forces magazine, Koonce “was a talented athlete who planned to major in biology and become a physical therapist for pilots.”
The magazine also reported that, “In March, Koonce celebrated notching a new personal record in the 100-meter dash: 12.19 seconds.”
Mental health and religioussupport services are available to cadets, faculty and staff coming to terms with the teen’s demise, the Air Force said.
A cause in the death is pending the outcome of an investigation, according to military officials.
