Avery Koonce USAFA Cadet Died: A Track & Field athlete at the United States Air Force Academy tragically ended her own life this week.
A recently graduated student of Thrall High School and a cadet member at USAFA was found dead from a self-inflicted injury on Wednesday. According to reports, the female is well-known for her athletic abilities passed away in an apparent suicide following a battle with depression.
Koonce was committed to the United States Air Force Academy to run track & field in Dec 2023. The news of her death came barely three months after another female cadet was located deceased inside her vehicle.
Who Was Avery Koonce?
Avery Koonce was a resident of Williamson County, Texas. She was a class of 2024 graduate of the Thrall High School in Thrall, TX. Koonce was a honor roll graduate who prided herself in her intellect and athletic abilities.
She was a great teammate and a great cheerleader. The candidate representing the 17th Congressional District of Texas, Pete Sessions, while congratulating the teenager following her appointment, described her as an exceptional student and a community leader.
“Avery Koonce is an exceptional student and community leader. I am proud to announce her appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.”
Avery Koonce USAFA Cadet Death
Koonce was a daughter, sister, and exceptional female who loved track and field. Since her resumption at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, Koonce maintained her winning abilities, focused, resilient, and hardworking.
The USAFA community has been left to mourn the death of their beloved cadet. Avery Koonce was supposed to graduate in 2028. Anyone wondering what happened to the young woman is asked to send a prayer for her dear mother, father, sibling, ex-classmates, and the entire USAFA community.
Texas and Colorado communities have also been urged to raise suicide and mental illness awareness and encourage anyone who is feeling depressed to call Lifeline @988.
Avery Koonce At Thrall High School
Avery Koonce, a Tigerettes track and field senior, officially revealed her commitment to compete for the Air Force Academy in Colorado in December. Koonce finished second in the 100-meter dash at the 2A state meet on May 12 in Austin, clocking in at 12.12 seconds. She also placed strongly in the state in the pole vault, finishing fourth with a mark of 10 feet 6 inches, but Koonce was just below third place.
Koonce, along with fellow Thrall senior Melaina Grissom, were standouts in Thrall track and field during the spring 2023 season. Both of their achievements were recognized as the pair was chosen to the Texas High School Coaches Association 2A Girls Track Super Elite Team. Grissom and Koonce were also members of the Thrall girls’ 4x100m relay team, along with Kassandra Jackson and Nevaeh Irvin, which finished sixth at the state meet in 49.38 seconds.
Koonce, who is now racing in the cross country season, finished 10th at the 2A-District 27 competition in Cameron on October 7 in 14:30.26 minutes. She will join Tigerettes junior Sarah Laurence, who was the district meet runner-up in the girls’ two-mile run with a record of 12:59.28, at the next 2A Region 4 cross country event on October 23 at the campus of Texas A&M University.-
Avery Koonce Athletic Profile
Other Deaths At USAFA
Two Air Force personnel died this week, according to a recent Air Force Academy social media post. Chong Hirthler, a 23-year-old civilian employee, was discovered dead on campus before sunrise on Wednesday. According to academy officials, one of Hirthler’s family members contacted USAFA officials after she arrived home late from work. She was found dead inside her automobile.
Officials stated that no foul play is suspected at this time. Deputy Commander of the 10th Air Base Wing, Col. Dan Werner, praised Hirthler as a “dedicated 23-year member of our Mitchell Hall Food Service team.” “She was well-known and popular throughout the 10th Air Base Wing, the Preparatory School, and the Cadet Area. Cadets, instructors, and staff appreciated her care and leadership,” Werner stated. “She will be missed by everyone.”