Air Force Cadet Avery Koonce Dies from Rare Bacterial Infection

The 19-year-old was found unresponsive in her dorm, with her death linked to a combination of viral and bacterial infections.

Avery Koonce, a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, died from sepsis caused by Paeniclostridium sordellii, a rare anaerobic bacteria.
The bacterial infection complicated an existing viral respiratory illness, leading to her sudden death on September 4.
Medical experts suggest that the condition, which mimicked symptoms of pneumonia, might have been treatable with antibiotics.
Koonce was a promising athlete and student, involved in track and field, and had aspirations of becoming a pilot.
Her passing has deeply affected her family, the academy community, and her hometown, where she was honored in a memorial service.