UVALDE, Texas – A congressional staffer for U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales died after catching fire, a family member confirmed to KSAT Investigates Wednesday. Uvalde police confirmed they are investigating the death along with the Texas Rangers.
Uvalde Regional District Director Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, died early Sunday after a Saturday night incident at her home on Geraldine Avenue in Uvalde, a police report obtained by KSAT Investigates shows.
Paramedics, firefighters and police responded to Santos-Aviles’ home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday for a disturbance, according to a UPD call sheet.
A close family member told KSAT Investigates Wednesday a relative called emergency services after finding Santos-Aviles on fire outside of her home.
The family member said Santos-Aviles was airlifted to SAMMC in San Antonio to be treated for extensive burns.
An Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office employee confirmed Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead just after 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
The M.E.’s office was still investigating the cause and manner of her death Wednesday.
In a phone interview with KSAT, the family member was adamant that Santos-Aviles’ death was an accident, adding that there was a water hose outside of the home.
“Her last words were ‘I don’t want to die,’” the family member said.
Santos-Aviles, who family members nicknamed “Regi,” was described as full of love. They said she loved being able to help people and communities through her job.
Family members told KSAT Investigates she was a great wife and mother to her young son.
In a statement to KSAT, Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado called Santos-Aviles’ death a “tragic loss.” He did not provide details of the incident, but noted that there is no indication of foul play.
“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news,” said Rep. Gonzales in a statement to KSAT Investigates. “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.”
According to Santos-Aviles’ LinkedIn page and previous media reports, she left her position as executive director of the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce in November 2021 to serve as the regional director for Rep. Gonzales’ office in Uvalde.
KSAT has also reached out to the Texas Rangers and to the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department for comment and will update this story when we hear back.
If you have a story tip, reach out to ksatinvestigates@ksat.com .
Read more reporting on the KSAT Investigates page.