The autopsy revealed that the young cadet had been battling a persistent cough that grew worse in the days before her passing.
According to Dr. Baden, Koonce may not have sought treatment in a timely manner because many people don’t recognize the severity of their symptoms until it’s too late.
Requests for more information were not answered by the Air Force Academy or Koonce’s family, and the El Paso County Coroner declined to comment on the matter.
Koonce was renowned for her athletic accomplishments and was a high school track star. At Thrall High School in Taylor, Texas, she excelled as a sprinter.
Setting records of 12.12 seconds for the 100 meters and 25.67 seconds for the 200 meters. She competed in track and field for the Academy at the time of her passing.
