JUST IN: Mysterious Death of Young GOP Staffer Under Investigation

A 35-year-old staffer for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez of Texas passed away on Saturday under mysterious circumstances.

Regina Santos-Aviles was found on fire at her own home and transported to a hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

Her death is very tragic, as she leaves behind an eight-year-old son.

The Texas Rangers and the Uvalde Police Department are investigating the death of a congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales.

Police were called to her home for reports of a person on fire. https://t.co/yX5LfinBbC pic.twitter.com/7Vqzvq0JJQ

— San Antonio Express-News (@ExpressNews) September 17, 2025

The death of Regina Santos-Aviles, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales’s Regional District Director, is under investigation, police said.

The Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death of Santos-Aviles, a Uvalde resident, who passed away Saturday… pic.twitter.com/GmrxTUZ2tN

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 18, 2025

The death of Regina Santos-Aviles, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales’s Regional District Director, is under investigation, police said.

The Uvalde Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death of Santos-Aviles, a Uvalde resident, who passed away Saturday after being transported to the hospital following a police call to her home Saturday night, according to a UPD press release and call sheet report obtained by the Daily Caller.

At this time, investigators do not know the cause of the fire.

However, they say there is no indication of foul play.

Santos-Aviles’s mother claimed it was an accident and shared her daughter’s last words.

From San Antonio Express-News:

 The case was originally reported to the Uvalde Police Department as a disturbance in the 200 block of Geraldine Avenue, according to a police record.

Santos-Aviles’ mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, told the Express-News that she was on the phone with her daughter, who was distraught, saying she wanted her son. She said she drove to her daughter’s house and found her outside.

“It was an accident,” she said of her daughter’s death, saying Santos-Aviles had suffered burns.

She described Santos-Aviles as a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son.

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She said her daughter was still conscious when EMS arrived, and she was transported via helicopter to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

“The last thing she said is, ‘I don’t want to die,’” her mother recalled. “And they told her, ‘We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of.’”

Mario Rangel, chief of the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department, said firefighters received a call at 9:39 p.m. on Saturday.

“Dispatch advised of an individual who was on fire,” he said.

The call was canceled while crews were en route, but four firefighters still responded because the home was close to the station, Rangel said.

“When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,” Rangel said. “At the same time, EMS personnel were attending to a female who had suffered burns. She was transported by EMS and, at some point, flown to a San Antonio hospital.”

Officials said her family is cooperating fully with investigators.

Police Chief Homer E. Delgado said in a statement that there is no indication of foul play but, as is standard, all unattended deaths are investigated.

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“As your Chief of Police, my heart goes out to the family and friends who are grieving,” Delgado said in a statement. “In times of loss, our greatest duty is to stand together, support one another, and honor the memory of those we have lost.”

In response to the horrific death of his staff member, Rep. Tony Gonzalez released a statement.

Daily Mail shared:

In a statement, Congressman Tony Gonzales said: ‘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.’