USAFA says final goodbye to cadet at funeral

(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) said goodbye to Cadet Fourth Class Avery Koonce on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Cadet Koonce’s funeral was held in Taylor, Texas on Thursday. USAFA said nearly 100 cadets traveled to Taylor to attend her memorial service held at Thrall High School, to say one last goodbye.

“We are heartbroken by the loss, and we remain committed to providing support to her family and friends, Cadet Squadron 38, the Track and Field team, and the entire Academy family as they grieve,” said Lt. Gn. Tony Bauernfeind via Instagram .

On Tuesday night, nearly 4,300 cadets turned out at a late-night Taps Vigil to honor her memory. Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind wrote on Instagram that Koonce’s memorial in CS-38 outside her room grows every day with flowers, pictures, memory posts, and notes of condolences.

According to the Academy, Cadet Koonce was found unconscious in her dormitory on Wednesday night, Sept. 4. First responders attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.

Cadet Koonce was a member of the Class of 2028 and an athlete on the Women’s Track and Field team.

USAFA had previously said Cadet’s Koonce death is still under investigation.

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