Texas Rangers investigating after South Texas congressional staffer burns to death

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks during a recent town hall. Credit: Facebook / Tony Gonzales

Authorities are investigating after a staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, died Sunday after catching fire, KSAT reports.

The death of Gonzales’ Uvalde Regional District Director Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, is being looked into by the Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Rangers. However, Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado told the TV station there’s no indication of foul play.

However, it remains unclear what ignited the blaze that ended Santos-Aviles’ life.

According to KSAT, police and paramedics were called to the staffer’s Uvalde home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after a family member found Santos-Aviles on fire outside.

Paramedics airlifted Santos-Aviles to SAMMC in San Antonio, where she succumbed to her extensive burns the next morning, KSAT reports.

The exact cause of death remains under investigation, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office.

Gonzales’ office did not immediately respond to the Current’s request for comment. The congressman also hasn’t posted on social media about Santos-Aviles’ death.

In a statement supplied to KSAT, Gonzales said that he’s “heart-stricken” by the news of his staffer’s death.

“Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” Gonzales said. “She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”

Alt-right online publication Current Revolt has described Santos-Aviles’ death as a “suicide,” citing unnamed sources. However, a family member of Santos-Aviles disputed that claim in comments to KSAT.

“Her last words were ‘I don’t want to die,” the family member told the TV station.

This is a developing story.

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Texas Rangers investigating after South Texas congressional staffer burns to death

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