U.S. Air Force Academy officials on Friday were investigating the death of a 19-year-old first-year cadet, a track team member, who was found unconscious in her dormitory room Wednesday night.
Air Force Academy emergency responders went to the room and “attempted life-saving measures” to resuscitate Cadet Avery Koonce “but were unsuccessful,” according to an academy statement.
Koonce came from Taylor, Texas, a member of the Class of 2028, and participated on the AFA Women’s Track and Field team. She arrived at the academy in June for a summer of basic training before classes began around August.
“We lost an incredible teammate last night. 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 said.
The investigators had not determined the cause of her death. There’s no evidence of foul play and “there is no suspect,” academy spokesman Jeff Troth said. “We do not know what the cause was at this time.”
The 4,100 cadets at the academy on Thursday “were informed of what occurred. They were given the option to go to class, or not, and we provided counselors at various locations,” Troth said.
Koonce’s family members were planning a funeral in Texas. Air Force officials were planning a memorial service at the academy next week.
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