A 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was found dead inside her dorm room.

Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce of Taylor, Texas, was found “unconscious in her dormitory,” the U.S. Air Force Academy said on Instagram.

“Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The cause of death is under investigation,” the post read.

Koonce was a member of the academy’s Women’s Track and Field team.

“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,” Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind said.

Per Fox News:

Koonce attended Thrall High School, according to the Austin American-Statesman, which quoted the district’s superintendent as saying that she was the president of the student council and leader of the National Honor Society.

“She was the epitome of our high school,” Superintendent Tommy Hooker told the newspaper. “She is what you would want in a well-rounded student. Our community is at kind of at a loss with our feelings. We are just kind of devastated.”

“I am excited to announce my commitment to the United States Air Force Academy to run track & field! I am so beyond grateful for everyone who has helped me along in this journey. All Glory To God!” Koonce wrote in December last year.

“I ran a 12.19s 100m for a new pr and to beat my own school record!” she said last March.

WATCH:

From the New York Post:

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), who nominated Koonce to attend USAFA outside Colorado Springs, said he was “incredibly saddened to hear about the loss” of the cadet.

He called her a “talented athlete” and said she was “planning to major in biology and minor in kinesiology with hopes of becoming a pilot physical therapist.”

Friends, acquaintances and others offered condolences on social media.

“She was so sweet, so kind, and overall great at everything she did,” one person wrote in the comments on Instagram.

 

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