Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in October 2024.
A US Air Force Academy cadet tragically passed away last month in her Colorado dorm room, and experts suggest that her death, caused by pneumonia, could have been avoided. Avery Koonce, 19, of Tyler, Texas, died on September 4th, after suffering from complications of a severe lung infection, according to an autopsy report released by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.The report indicated that Koonce’s cause of death was “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotracheobronchitis,” a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection that was secondary to a viral lung infection. Medical experts believe this could have been treated with timely antibiotics and other basic interventions.
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who reviewed the autopsy findings, clarified the nature of her illness, stating, “In essence, she died of untreated pneumonia.” Dr. Baden, former chief medical examiner for New York City, explained that while paeniclostridium sordelli is a rare bacteria associated with severe toxic shock-like syndromes, the viral infection she had likely weakened her immune system, making her more susceptible to the bacteria. “This is not related to any pre-existing abnormality,” he added, emphasizing that Koonce’s condition could have been managed with antibiotics and fluids to address the viral infection.
Before her death, Koonce likely exhibited common symptoms of pneumonia, such as persistent coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. According to the autopsy, the young cadet had been struggling with a chronic cough, which worsened in the days leading up to her death. Dr. Baden noted that many individuals don’t realize how serious their symptoms are until it’s too late, which may explain why Koonce didn’t seek treatment in time.
