OFFICIALS are investigating the sudden death of a staff member of a Republican representative.
Police discovered Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, 35, on fire when they arrived at her home.
A staff member of Texas Republican Representative Tony Gonzales was found dead[/caption]
Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, 35, was found on fire when police replied[/caption]
A cause of death has yet to be revealed[/caption]
Santos-Aviles was a staff member of Republican Texas representative Tony Gonzales.
The mother had worked for Gonzales since November 2021, Express News reported.
Santos-Aviles was based in Uvalde, Texas, and was responsible for regional development initiatives.
She was also Gonzales’ representative in her district.
Police initially responded to the Republican staffer’s home due to reports of a disturbance.
Nora Ann Gonzales, the mother of Santos-Aviles, told the outlet that she was speaking with her daughter the night of the incident.
Nora said her daughter was distressed and wanted her eight-year-old son.
“It was an accident,” she told the outlet.
Nora recounted the night her daughter died, saying that she was still conscious when EMS arrived to help her.
“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.’”
The fire department received a dispatch call at 9:39 pm that night, according to the Uvalde Fire Department chief, Mario Rangel.
“Dispatch advised of an individual who was on fire,” he said.
Rangel reported that the call was canceled, but four firefighters still showed up at the property, as it was near the station.
Republican Texas representative Tony Gonzales’ statement
“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.”
“When we arrived, we learned of a fire behind the residence that had been put out with a fire extinguisher,” he 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.”
There is no indication of foul play, according to police chief Homer Delgado; however, they are still investigating the situation.
“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 cause and manner of death may take 12 to 16 weeks to report.
“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community,” representative Gonzales said.
“She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”
