According to a coroner, a 19-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet found deceased inside her dorm room died from a rare bacterial infection.

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

19-Year-Old Air Force Academy Cadet Found Deceased In Dorm Room

Koonce's death reportedly was the result of “paeniclostridium sordelli sepsis complicating parainfluenza laryngotraceobronchitis."

One medical expert said her death could have been prevented, the New York Post reports.

“In essence she died of untreated pneumonia,” forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, who reviewed the autopsy report, told the outlet.

US Air Force Academy Cadet Avery Koonce's cause of death revealed #preventable #airforce #noncombatdeath https://t.co/xpHNCZ7arC https://t.co/i4qkuKMw00

— keepin it real ✨ (@IDAddictUSA) October 6, 2024

From the New York Post:

The coroner described paeniclostridium sordelli as a “relatively rare but potentially fatal anaerobic bacteria” that is “associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome that can rapidly progress to death.” But it was “secondary” to the parainfluenza — or viral lung infection — the coroner’s report found.

Baden, the former chief medical examiner of NYC, theorized the bacteria “could have been treated with penicillin” and the virus could have been addressed with fluids and antibodies.

“She first had the viral infection that diminished her immunity, so the bacteria were able to flourish,” he explained, adding that her death was not related to any “preexisting abnormality.”

In the days before Koonce’s demise, she likely would have shown symptoms, such as coughing, fever and difficulty breathing, he said.

Today, we mourn the loss of Cadet 4th Class Avery Koonce, 19, of Taylor, Texas.

Avery was found unconscious in her dormitory last night. Academy first responders were called and attempted life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful. The cause of death is under investigation. pic.twitter.com/jH1ewjlGVs

— U.S. Air Force Academy (@af_academy) September 5, 2024

“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 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! @AF_TFXC @ThrallAthletics @CoachVanecek pic.twitter.com/MKlUMGv2sB

— Avery Koonce (@AveryKoonce) December 29, 2023

Per Fox News:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as "the body's extreme response to an infection" that happens "when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body."

The U.S. Air Force Academy said Koonce, a 19-year-old from Taylor, Texas, was set to graduate in 2028 and was a member of the women’s track and field team.

"We lost an incredible teammate... 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," Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind said at the time of Koonce’s death. "Our team is focused on providing support to Avery’s family, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family."

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.

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