Cause Of Death Revealed For GOP Staffer Found ‘Engulfed In Flames’

Investigators believe they have uncovered the cause of death behind the sudden death of a GOP congressional staffer who caught fire in her own home earlier this month.

The mother of Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, told authorities she received a distressed call from her daughter on the night of September 13. Upon arriving at her Uvalde home, the mother said she discovered her daughter suffering third-degree burn wounds across her entire body.

Nora Ann Gonzales stated that her daughter’s last words were, “I don’t want to die.”

But in a sad twist, investigators concluded that Santos-Aviles doused herself in gasoline and lit a match in a suicide attempt. She was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center but died of her injuries the following morning.

Santos-Aviles, remembered by friends as a “devoted mother” to her eight-year-old daughter, had served as the district representative for Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX) since 2021.

A fire department report obtained by the Daily Mail states that Santos-Aviles “doused herself in gasoline and was ignited into flames.” Footage of her home viewed by the Department of Public Safety concluded that she was home alone at the time.

Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado stated that investigators have found no evidence of foul play and that the Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

“When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,” fire department chief Mario Rangel said after arriving at the scene of the blaze.

In a statement, Rep. 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.”

An incident report from the night of the fire indicates that first responders with the Uvalde Fire Department encountered an “individual who was on fire” at approximately 9:30 p.m. that night. The call was canceled, but firefighters still responded due to the home’s close proximity to the fire station.

By the time they arrived, Rangel explained, the fire had been extinguished.

“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,” he told a local TV station.

Santos-Aviles is described by her family as “a devoted mother, a loving daughter, sister, and wife and a loyal friend.”

“Regina lit up every room she entered. She carried herself with grace and confidence that inspired those around her.

“Her smile was contagious, and her laugh made you feel like you were part of an inside joke, a gift she shared generously with family, friends, and even strangers fortunate enough to cross her path,” her obituary said.

“At her core, Regina was a woman of heart and service. She cared deeply for her community and was always willing to step in and help. Whether through her work or through the simple kindness she showed each day, Regina had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and supported.”

“Her greatest pride and joy was her son, Axel. Every decision she made and every dream she pursued was rooted in her love for him.”