In a tragic turn of events, a 19-year-old cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy succumbed to a rare bacterial infection, which was linked to a toxic shock-like syndrome.
The young cadet, Avery Koonce, was found unresponsive in her dorm room in early September.
As reported by Fox News, Koonce had been grappling with a persistent cough before her untimely demise on September 4 in Colorado. The cause of death was identified as "Paeniclostridium sordellii sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis," as per an El Paso County Coroners Office report. The report highlighted an abnormal accumulation of fluid in Koonce's left lung, along with the presence of the bacterium Paeniclostridium sordellii. This bacterium is known to cause severe disease or even death in various clinical settings, including airway infection and sepsis.
The report further stated that the bacteria "has been associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome that can rapidly progress to death." It was likely that the bacterial infection was secondary to the parainfluenza infection, which resulted in severe cough and upper airway inflammation and edema. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines sepsis as the body's extreme response to an infection, which occurs when an existing infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body.
Koonce, a native of Taylor, Texas, was a promising cadet set to graduate in 2028. She was also a valued member of the womens track and field team. The loss of Koonce has left a profound impact on the Academy. "We lost an incredible teammate... 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," Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind expressed his grief following Koonces death. He emphasized that the Academy is committed to providing support to Averys family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family.
Koonce was a distinguished student at Thrall High School, where she served as the president of the student council and leader of the National Honor Society. U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who nominated Koonce to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of Cadet Koonce. The tragic loss of this young cadet underscores the unpredictability and severity of such rare bacterial infections.
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