Congressional staffer's body was on fire, Uvalde official said

Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, died Sunday after an incident at her home the previous night, authorities said. The Texas Rangers and the Uvalde Police Department are investigating.

Uvalde officials told the San Antonio Express-News that the body of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles was on fire when police and firefighters were called to her home Saturday night. She was 35.

Santos-Aviles has worked as the regional district director for Gonzales’ office since November 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile. Based in Uvalde, she led regional development initiatives and represented the congressman across the district.

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 she discovered her daughter at the home.

"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.

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, told the Express-News that 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.

"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."

The Bexar County Medical Examiner said the cause and manner of Santos-Aviles’ death is still pending and could take 12-16 weeks to determine.

In a statement, Congressman Tony Gonzales lamented her death.

"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," Gonzales said.

Santos-Aviles’ mother said the family is devastated but clinging to their faith.

"She loved life and loved her family and loved everyone and loved doing for others," her mother said. "She loved the work that she did and how she helped the communities get funding for things they needed."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.