Air Force officials have launched an investigation after an academy cadet was found dead in her dorm room.
Avery Koonce, 19, from Texas, was discovered unconscious on Wednesday at the Colorado Springs Air Force Academy.
Her cause of death is not clear, and authorities say they are looking into 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.’
Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after she graduated, reports CBS News.
The 19-year-old was a talented athlete on the Air Force academy’s track and field team, and often shared her sporting achievements on social media – including an impressive 12.12 second 100m record.
Following the news of her death, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, paid tribute to her athletic achievements and the positive impact she had on her academy.
‘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,’ Bauernerfeind said.
‘Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family.’
In a statement released through the academy, Koonce’s parents shared their heartbreak over losing their young daughter.
‘Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence,’ the statement read.
‘Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace in the knowledge Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and we will be with her again.
‘Avery was not a perfect person but was a perfect daughter. Loving on her brothers and learning how to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now.
‘We are beyond blessed for the 19 amazing years we got to call Avery ours. We are praying for all of those that are bearing the incredible darkness of her loss.’
