‘Everybody’s favorite daughter’ | 19-year-old cadet from Central Texas found dead at U.S. Air Force Academy

AUSTIN, Texas — An investigation is underway after a cadet from Taylor died at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

According to the Air Force Academy, 19-year-old Avery Koonce was found unconscious in her dormitory Wednesday night. Academy first responders were called to the scene and attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.

Koonce was a 2024 graduate of Thrall High School and enrolled in the Air Force Academy shortly after graduation.

She was scheduled to graduate as a member of the class of 2028 and was also a member of the Academy’s Women’s Track and Field team.

Earlier this year, Koonce placed highly in the UIL Spring Meet in the 100 Meters, 200 Meters and Pole Vault. She also represented Thrall by competing in the UIL 2A State Championships.

According to the Taylor Press, Koonce took part in cross country, powerlifting and track and field as a senior. She was also a member of the high school cheerleading squad. She was honored by the district in March after receiving the Congressional Nomination for the Air Force Academy from Congressman Pete Sessions.

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions described Koonce as a “thoughtful and articulate young woman” and always willing to go the extra mile as a track star. This is why Sessions began the yearlong process to get Koonce into the United States Air Force Academy, which requires a nomination from a member of Congress. 

“Avery Koonce said I want to be a pilot. I want to fly. I want to accept the challenges that she and I talked about when we talked about that great American philosopher Buzz Lightyear, from here to infinity and beyond and her eyes lit up, not just with excitement, but for service,” Sessions said. “It was everybody’s favorite daughter in Texas who would be representing not just Thrall but Texas at the United States Air Force Academy.”

Chip Osborne was on the congressman’s panel for high school students who wanted to get into one of the service academies, selecting Koonce to be a representative with the Air Force Academy. 

“I looked at her and I said, ‘Avery, with grades like this and an aptitude score like this, you sure you don’t want to be an astronaut instead?’ She goes, ‘I’m going to work on that,'” Osborne said. 

With Koonce now gone, Osborne and Sessions are amongst the many community members mourning her loss. 

“All we can do is just hold onto the bright memories that we have of Avery,” Osborne said. 

“We lost an incredible teammate last night,” Lt Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent said. “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.”

Bauernfeind said support services are in place for cadets, faculty and staff following Koonce’s death.