The cause of death for a US Air Force Academy cadet who was found unconscious in her dorm room last month has been revealed.
Avery Koonce, a freshman cadet, was found unconscious in her Colorado Springs, Colorado, dormitory on September 4 and tragically could not be revived by paramedics, Air Force officials revealed, per Taylor Press.
Her parents, Eric and Kelly Koonce, described their daughter as "an incredible bright light in this broken world", adding: "Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence."
The 19-year-old was described by Air & Space Forces magazine as a "talented athlete who planned to major in biology and become a physical therapist for pilots".
During her time in high school, Cadet 4th Class Koonce was a member of the cheerleading squad and competed in cross country, track and field, and powerlifting.
In an autopsy report by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office and seen by PEOPLE, the teen died as a result of "paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotraceobronchitis".
In a statement to the New York Post, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden explained: "In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia."
Dr. Baden added that paeniclostridium sordelli is a "relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria" that is "associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome that can rapidly progress to death."
The coroner's office added that the bacteria "can cause serious disease or death in various clinical settings including airway infection".
Although Dr. Baden highlighted that the paeniclostridium sordelli was "secondary" to the parainfluenza, he claims that it could have been "treated with penicillin", while the viral lung infection could have been treated with fluids and antibodies.
The autopsy added that the teenager had been struggling with a severe cough in the days prior to her tragic passing, and that her left lung "exhibited histologic evidence of acute inflammation."
Dr. Baden stressed to the New York Post that some people may choose not to seek medical treatment because they don’t realize how sick they actually are.
In a further tribute, Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement: "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. Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family."
Our thoughts go out to Koonce's family and loved ones at this time.
