Note: this October 2024 story is being republished.

Experts say a US Air Force Academy student who died of pneumonia in her Colorado dorm room last month could have been prevented. Avery Koonce, 19, Tyler, Texas,

El Paso County Coroner’s Office autopsy report: died on September 4 from serious lung infection complications.

Koonce died from unusual “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” according to the report.

bacterial illness caused by a viral lung infection that could kill. Medical experts believe early antibiotics and other basic measures could have treated this.

After reviewing the autopsy results, renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden said, “In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia.” Dr. Baden, former NYC chief medical examiner,

noted that while paeniclostridium sordelli is a rare bacteria that causes severe toxic shock-like syndromes, her viral infection likely compromised her immune system, leaving her more susceptible. “This is not related to any pre-existing abnormality,” he said, adding that medications and fluids may have treated Koonce’s viral infection.

Koonce certainly had pneumonia symptoms like coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing before her death. The autopsy found that the young cadet’s chronic cough worsened in the days before her death. Dr. Baden remarked that many people don’t recognize how terrible their symptoms are until it’s too late, which may explain why Koonce didn’t seek treatment sooner.

This case was not discussed by the El Paso County Coroner, Koonce’s family, or the Air Force Academy.

Koonce was a top high school track athlete. She excelled in sprinting at Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, running 12.12 seconds in the 100 and 25.67 in the 200. She was an Academy track and field athlete when she died.

Eric and Kelly Koonce, Koonce’s parents, described their daughter as “an incredible bright light in this broken world” in a poignant statement. They said, “Her absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.”

The New York Post

Her tragic demise has raised awareness of respiratory illnesses and the need for medical treatment. Koonce’s story shows how avoidable ailments can kill if left untreated, even while her family grieves.