Candles Burning at Night.
The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to a 19-year-old cadet who was the second student to pass away from the academy this year. Authorities are looking into his death. Avery Koonce, a Cadet 4th Class from Taylor, Texas, was found unconscious in her dorm room on Wednesday night, the academy reported on Facebook the following day.
The post stated, “Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful.” Koonce competed in women’s track and field and was scheduled to graduate as a second lieutenant in 2028. “Last night, we lost an amazing teammate,” said academy superintendent Lt.
In the post, Gen. Tony Bauernfeind stated. “Avery had a positive impact on her unit, her intercollegiate team, and her class during her brief time with us; her loss will be felt throughout 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,” he added. The loss follows that of Cadet 2nd Class Tristen Burton, of Granger, Texas, who was killed Feb. 29 in an off-base motorcycle crash. A day earlier, Chong Hirthler, a 23-year employee of the Mitchell Hall Cadet Dining Facility, was found dead in her parked car. A family member had contacted school officials after she failed to return home from work.
