19-Year-Old Cadet Found Dead at Air Force Academy Dorm: 'We Lost an Incredible Teammate'

Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, of Taylor, Texas, was found unresponsive in her dorm on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 4

The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) is investigating the death of a 19-year-old cadet who was found unconscious in her dorm earlier this week.

Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, of Taylor, Texas, died on Wednesday, Sept. 4 despite life-saving measures taken by Academy first responders, the USAFA said in a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday.

“We lost an incredible teammate last night,” Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said. “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.”

The USAFA did not immediately reply to PEOPLE's request for additional comment.

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Koonce, a first-year student, was on the USAFA’s track and field team and was a member of the class of 2028.

On Dec. 28, 2023, she shared details about what her future held in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I am excited to announce my commitment to the United States Air Force Academy to run track & field!" Koonce wrote. "I am so beyond grateful for everyone who has helped me along in this journey. All Glory To God.”

The Central Texas native — who placed second in the Texas 2A 100m dash and was a member of the Thrall High School cheerleading team — made an impact on local legislators last year after receiving a nomination to the USAFA from Congressman Pete Sessions.

"[She] said, 'I want to be a pilot. I want to fly,'" Sessions told ABC affiliate KVUE. "It was everybody's favorite daughter in Texas who would be representing not just Thrall but Texas at the United States Air Force Academy."

In August 2023, Koonce posed in her cheerleading uniform in a post on X and added that she was “making the most” of her senior year.

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Those who knew the teenager shared their sadness in the comments on the USAFA's Instagram post confirming the news of Koonce's death.

“Avery was so kind, supportive, positive, and ALWAYS smiling,” wrote one person, while a high school classmate shared: “She was my friend during powerlifting in high school. She was so sweet, so kind, and overall great at everything she did.”

An Academy classmate wrote, "She was my basic over the summer, what a ray of sunshine every single day I knew her."

In its statement, the Academy said that Koonce’s "cause of death is under investigation," and that it was offering “a full complement of support services including Academy chaplains, mental health professionals, leaders, and others are in place for cadets, faculty and staff.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Avery's family, friends and loved ones,” the Academy concluded. “Avery, may you find blue skies and tailwinds as you rest forever in peace.”

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