Cadet’s parents issue statement after death of daughter

(US AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — The parents of Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet who passed away on Wednesday, Sept 4, have shared a statement on the loss of their daughter.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, USAFA officials passed along the following statement:

Our daughter Cadet Avery Koonce was an incredible bright light in this broken world. Our lives will forever be diminished because of her absence. Avery is truly loved by so many. We have peace in the knowledge Avery is in the arms of her Heavenly Father and we will be with her again. Avery was not a perfect person but was a perfect daughter. Loving on her brothers and learning how to live with Avery’s loss is our only focus right now. We are beyond blessed for the 19 amazing years we got to call Avery ours. We are praying for all of those that are bearing the incredible darkness of her loss.

Eric and Kelly Koonce

On Wednesday night, Cadet Koonce was found unconscious in her dormitory and efforts by Academy first responders to revive her were unsuccessful. Officials are investigating the cause of death.

Cadet Koonce was a member of the Class of 2028 and an athlete on the Women’s Track and Field team.

The Academy is providing a full complement of support services including chaplains, mental health professionals, leaders, and others for cadets, faculty, and staff.

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