Avery Koonce was a standout athlete at her Texas high school, breaking records in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Her love for running carried her all the way to the Air Force Academy, where she joined the women’s track and field team and began chasing her dream of becoming a physical therapist for pilots. But just as her promising journey was beginning, tragedy struck.
On September 4, 2024, Avery was found unresponsive in her dorm room at the academy in Colorado Springs. Emergency responders tried to save her, but it was too late—Avery, only 19, was gone. The scene left first responders, fellow cadets, and her loved ones in disbelief. What caused the sudden and shocking loss of such a young, vibrant life?