The death of Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old congressional staffer for U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, has left the Uvalde community heartbroken and in shock. On the night of September 20, 2025, authorities responded to a disturbing call at her home on Geraldine Avenue in Uvalde, Texas, where she was found severely burned. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has since led to an ongoing investigation by the Texas Rangers and Uvalde Police Department.
According to local officials, Santos-Aviles was discovered outside her home, engulfed in flames, after a report of a disturbance was received by Uvalde authorities. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found that the victim had suffered devastating burns. Despite her severe injuries, she remained conscious and was airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for immediate treatment. Tragically, Santos-Aviles later succumbed to her injuries.