A 19-year-old U.S. Air Force cadet found unresponsive in his dorm room in early September died of a rare bacterial infection “associated with toxic shock-like syndrome,” the coroner has announced. .
Avery Koonce died on September 4 in Colorado after battling a cough from “Paeniclostridium sorderi sepsis complicated by parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” according to a report from the El Paso County Coroner's Office. Obtained by Fox21 News.
Coroner Leon Kelly said in his report that Mr. Koonse's left lung had a buildup of abnormal fluid along with the bacteria Paeniclostridium sorderi, which could be “severe in a variety of clinical settings, including respiratory tract infections and sepsis.” It states that it can cause “illness and death.” Colorado Springs Independence.
The bacterium is “associated with a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal toxic shock-like syndrome,” and the “bacterial infection was probably secondary to a parainfluenza infection, resulting in…severe cough, He developed symptoms of inflammation and edema in the upper respiratory tract,'' the newspaper said, citing the report.
A 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet is found dead in his dorm room.
Avery Koonce was found dead in his dorm room on Wednesday, the U.S. Air Force Academy said. (U.S. Air Force Academy)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as “the body's extreme response to an infection” that occurs “when a preexisting infection causes a chain reaction throughout the body.”
Koonce, a 19-year-old from Taylor, Texas, is scheduled to graduate in 2028 and was a member of the women's track and field team, according to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
More than $365,000 was raised for a 90-year-old disabled Air Force veteran who pawned jewelry to support his wife with dementia.
Fighter jets are seen on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Education Images/Universal Images Group, Getty Images)
“We lost a great teammate…Although she was with us for a short time, Avery made a positive impact on her squad, the intercollegiate team, and her class. The loss will be felt throughout USAFA,” Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bowenfeind said at the ceremony. At the time of Koonse's death. “Our team is focused on providing support to Avery's family, the 38th Cadet Squadron, the athletics team, and the entire Academy family.”
Koonce attended Thrall High School, where he was student body president and National Honor Society leader, the Austin American-Statesman reported, citing the school district's superintendent.
Tasajigwe Owens demonstrates how to operate an airgun before cadets participate in training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in September 2023. (Reuters)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated Koonce to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs, also told the American-Statesman in Austin that he was “incredibly saddened to hear of Cadet Koonce's passing.” .
