Cause of Death Determined for Congressional Staffer Who Caught Fire Alone in Her Backyard

The official cause of death for 35-year-old congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles has been confirmed by authorities.

Santos-Aviles, who served as the regional district director for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), caught on fire on Saturday, Sept. 13, in Uvalde, Texas, and was pronounced dead the following morning.

According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, she died of self-immolation, indicating that she intentionally set herself on fire.

Both Gonzales’s office and the Uvalde Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Police, emergency responders and firefighters were dispatched to Santos-Aviles’ home around 9:30 p.m., according to statements and an incident report from the Uvalde Police Department. Authorities told the San Antonio Express-News that she was on fire when they arrived.

Preliminary findings indicated a fire behind her residence, and EMS personnel quickly began treating a woman suffering from severe burns. She was later transferred to a hospital in San Antonio.

Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead on the morning of Sept. 14, according to KSAT and Texas Public Radio. At the time, Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado stated that there was no sign of foul play.

Her family, however, maintained that the incident was accidental, the San Antonio Express-News and KSAT reported. Her mother, Nora Ann Gonzalez, said she discovered her daughter outside, still conscious, when emergency crews arrived.

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

In late October, attorneys for the City of Uvalde sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting that investigative materials — including 911 calls, body-camera video and police reports — not be released publicly, according to Texas Public Radio.

Texas law does not require the disclosure of records from non-criminal cases. The city argued that releasing the materials would expose extremely sensitive details and infringe on the privacy of Santos-Aviles’ family.

Rep. Gonzales shared a statement with Texas Public Radio honoring her work and dedication.

“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” he said. “She will always be remembered for her passion toward Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”

Santos-Aviles is survived by her 8-year-old son, whom her obituary described as her “greatest pride and joy.”