A 35-year-old staffer for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez of Texas died under mysterious circumstances on Saturday after being found on fire at her home. Regina Santos-Aviles was transported to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Her death has left behind an eight-year-old son, according to reports.
The Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death of Santos-Aviles, a Uvalde resident who passed away Saturday after being taken to the hospital following a police call to her home. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire but stated there is no indication of foul play.
Santos-Aviles’s mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, described the incident as an accident and shared her daughter’s final words. She recounted being on the phone with Santos-Aviles, who was distraught and expressed a desire to see her son. Upon arriving at her daughter’s house, she found her outside in distress.
Firefighters responded to a call about an individual on fire but canceled the dispatch en route. Despite this, four firefighters arrived at the scene, where they found a fire that had already been extinguished. EMS personnel treated Santos-Aviles for burns and transported her via helicopter to a San Antonio hospital.
Police Chief Homer E. Delgado stated there is no evidence of foul play, though all unattended deaths are investigated as part of standard procedure. Rep. Tony Gonzalez released a statement expressing grief over the loss of his staff member, praising her dedication to the community.
The case remains under investigation, with officials noting the family’s cooperation.