OAN Staff Avril Elfi
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 9:00 AM
A 19-year-old United States Air Force Academy cadet was found dead in his dorm room.
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The Academy released a statement saying that Cadets 4Number Classmate Avery Koonce was “discovered unconscious in her dorm” on Wednesday night and paramedics were unsuccessful in trying to save her life.
“We have lost a great teammate… Though Avery was only with us for a short time, she made a positive impact on the unit, the intercollegiate team and the classroom. Her loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Our team is focused on providing support to Avery's family, the 38th Cadet Company, the track and field team and the entire Academy family.”
“Mr. Avery, may blue skies and fair winds be with you as you rest in eternal peace,” the Academy added.
Koonce was student council president at Thrall High School and president of the National Honor Society. Austin American StatesmanHe quoted the district superintendent as saying:
“She was an icon at our high school,” Superintendent Tommy Hooker told the newspaper. “She embodies the qualities you want in a well-rounded student. Our community is at a loss. We're just devastated.”
In addition, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said in Austin that American politician After learning of Koonce's death, Judge Sessions recommended that Koonce attend the United States Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs.
“She was a thoughtful, eloquent young woman who was well prepared to succeed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. … Cadet Koonce was an incredible leader and her death is a great loss to the Texas community and her peers at the U.S. Air Force Academy,” Sessions added.
Koonce is scheduled to graduate in 2028 and was a member of the girls track and field team.
The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado provides support services to cadets, faculty and staff.
The academy said the cause of her death is under investigation. An academy spokesman said no updates on the investigation had been released as of Friday.
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