A 35-year-old congressional staffer has died following a tragic incident outside her Uvalde, Texas, home, leaving friends, colleagues, and her community in mourning. Regina Santos-Aviles, a devoted mother and public servant, was found with severe injuries outside her home on Geraldine Avenue after a 911 call reporting a disturbance.
She was airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she later passed away. Her mother, who had spoken with her shortly before the incident, shared her daughter’s final words: “I don’t want to die.” Those words now resonate as a heartbreaking reminder of the young woman’s courage and vulnerability in her last moments.
Santos-Aviles had served as a district director for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales since 2021, advocating for rural communities and helping residents access federal resources. Friends and colleagues remember her as a passionate advocate, a trusted voice, and someone who “made people feel seen.” She was also a loving mother to her 8-year-old son, who survives her.
Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death. The Texas Rangers and Uvalde Police Department are investigating, with the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office expecting results in 12 to 16 weeks. There is currently no evidence of foul play, and her mother believes the incident was accidental. As the community grieves, tributes highlight her spunky personality and infectious energy. Her laughter, dedication, and final words are now etched into the hearts of those who knew her. Regina Santos-Aviles’s life, though cut short, left a lasting legacy of service, love, and inspiration.
