Cause of death for Republican congressman’s staffer determined
In a tragic incident that has drawn attention to mental health issues, Regina Santos-Aviles, a dedicated staff member for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, was ruled to have died by suicide through self-immolation. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office made this determination following her critical injuries sustained in a fire at her home on September 13. Emergency responders found Santos-Aviles severely burned in her backyard after receiving reports of a disturbance, and she was subsequently airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she succumbed to her injuries the following morning. This heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and support, especially within high-pressure environments like political offices.
Santos-Aviles was recognized for her significant contributions to her community, particularly in advocating for school safety and mental health resources in Uvalde, Texas. Rep. Gonzales expressed his profound sorrow over her passing, emphasizing her commitment to serving the community and her passion for her work. He noted that Santos-Aviles played a pivotal role in championing various initiatives, including the establishment of a new mental health facility and a community center. In light of her tragic death, Gonzales urged the public to remember her legacy of dedication and service, rather than the circumstances surrounding her death. The investigation into her passing is still ongoing, and officials have indicated that it may take time to finalize the report. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health resources, and anyone in need of support is encouraged to reach out to crisis services.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
A cause of death has been determined in the case of Regina Santos-Aviles, a staffer for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of
Texas
who died after an incident in which she caught fire at her home in September.
Santos-Aviles’ death was ruled a suicide by self-immolation, according to
Texas Public Radio
, citing the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
She was found critically burned in her backyard the night of Sept. 13 after emergency crews responded to reports of a disturbance around 9:30 p.m., the outlet reported.
STAFFER FOR HOUSE REPUBLICAN REP. TONY GONZALES DIES AFTER FIRE INCIDENT: ‘WE ARE DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS’
Paramedics airlifted her to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she died early the next morning, Sept. 14.
Santos-Aviles had served as regional district director for the congressman, her
LinkedIn profile
indicates.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office told Fox News Digital that a report has not yet been completed regarding the incident and that such investigations usually take a minimum of 12 weeks to complete.
Meanwhile, in an interview Thursday at The Texas Tribune Festival, Gonzales said he was not yet aware of the exact circumstances of her death.
NEW UVALDE BODY CAMERA VIDEO CAPTURES PARENTS PLEADING WITH OFFICERS DURING 70-MINUTE DELAY
“I don’t know exactly what happened,” Gonzales told
KSAT.com
. “No one’s contacted me; I haven’t contacted anyone.”
“I’m waiting for a final report,” he added. “I think that would make a lot of sense.”
Gonzales asked that people remember Santos-Aviles for her dedication to her community.
“I would hope that everyone remembers her for her passion, for her job, her commitment to the community,” he said.
He credited her with helping champion several initiatives, including school safety, a new mental health facility in Uvalde, and a community center in Natalia.
In a statement to Fox News Digital in September, Gonzales paid tribute to his former colleague.
“We are devastated by the loss of Regina Santos-Aviles, who was a valued member of our team and an extraordinary community leader,” Gonzales said. “The contributions she made to her beloved Uvalde community and the surrounding area will never be forgotten.”
Uvalde Police
Chief Homer Delgado previously said there had been no sign of foul play.
Fox News’ Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
