The unexpected passing of a young Republican congressional aide has left Texas investigators searching for answers regarding its enigmatic circumstances.
Regina Santos-Aviles, who worked for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation, as confirmed by Uvalde Police Department officials this week. Texas Rangers are also involved in gathering evidence related to the circumstances surrounding Santos-Aviles’ collapse on Saturday night.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
A report from the Bexar County Medical Examiner indicates that Santos-Aviles passed away at 6:34 a.m. on Sunday, but an official cause of death has yet to be determined, according to News 4 San Antonio. KSAT has reported that both the cause and manner of death are still under investigation.
UPD Chief Homer Delgado stated on Monday that there were no indications of foul play or a struggle at Santos-Aviles’ home, where she was found unconscious.
“We are working closely with the victim’s family, who are fully cooperating with our investigators during this difficult time. At this point, there is no indication of foul play. As is our standard procedure, all unattended deaths are investigated,” he noted.
Delgado encouraged the local community to support family members and neighbors while allowing officers to conduct their investigation.
“In times of loss, our greatest duty is to stand together, support one another, and honor the memory of those we have lost,” the police chief added.
Santos-Aviles, 35, previously served at the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce before joining Rep. Gonzales’s office in 2021 as a local district director. The GOP representative shared a scripture in a social media post reflecting on his aide’s tragic death.
“‘Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:16,” he wrote.
A spokesperson for the Rangers did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller.
However, the Daily Mail reported that family members claimed Santos-Aviles was involved in a fire incident at her home prior to her collapse.
Her mother arrived on the evening of September 13 to find her in distress and called 911.
Santos-Aviles is remembered as a “devoted mother” to her eight-year-old son.
Nora Ann Gonzales, her mother, revealed that her daughter struggled, sharing that her final words were, “I don’t want to die.”
“When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,” said fire department chief Mario Rangel, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
In a statement, Congressman Gonzales expressed, “We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community. She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”
