A US Air Force Academy cadet, Avery Koonce, was found dead in her Colorado dorm room last month, and her death was caused by pneumonia. This is considered a tragedy that could have been prevented, according to a medical expert.
The 19-year-old from Tyler, Texas, died on September 4 from a severe infection linked to pneumonia, as stated in the autopsy report from the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.
Dr. Michael Baden, a well-known forensic pathologist, explained that she essentially died from untreated pneumonia. The coroner’s report noted that the bacteria involved is rare but can be deadly, causing a serious condition that can lead to death quickly. However, this bacterial infection was linked to a viral lung infection she had earlier.
Avery Koonce, a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, was found unconscious in her dorm room. Dr. Baden, the former chief medical examiner of New York City, suggested that the bacteria could have been treated with penicillin, and the virus could have been managed with fluids and antibodies.
He explained that she had a viral infection that weakened her immune system, allowing the bacteria to grow. He also mentioned that her death was not due to any existing health problems.
In the days leading up to her death, she likely experienced symptoms like coughing, fever, and trouble breathing.
The autopsy report showed that the first-year cadet had a long-lasting cough that got worse over time.
Dr. Baden said that her condition could have been treated with antibiotics. He noted that sometimes people who are sick don’t seek help because they don’t realize how serious their illness is.
The El Paso coroner didn’t provide any comments, and Koonce’s family and the Air Force Academy also didn’t respond when asked for their thoughts.
Avery Koonce was a talented track athlete who was part of the Air Force Academy’s track and field team.
She was a sprinter at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, where she ran 100 meters in 12.12 seconds and 200 meters in 25.67 seconds.
Her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, released a statement a few days after her tragic death, saying, “Our daughter Cadet Avery Koonce was an incredible bright light in this broken world. Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence.”
