A 35-year-old congressional staffer has died after a disturbing incident outside her home in Uvalde, Texas, and now her mother is speaking out about the last heartbreaking words her daughter spoke before being airlifted to the hospital.
A quiet night turned tragic
On a warm Saturday night, emergency crews responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a home on Geraldine Avenue. When they arrived, they found 35-year-old congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, a young mother, with severe burns, still conscious, lying outside her home.
Santos-Aviles was rushed by helicopter to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she later passed away from her injuries.
According to her mother, who had just been on the phone with her moments earlier, the woman’s final plea was chilling in its simplicity: “I don’t want to die.”
“They told her, ‘We’ll do our best to take care of you,’” her mother recalled through tears.
A life of service cut short
The woman had built her career in public service, working as a district director for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales since 2021, helping rural communities access federal funding and support.
Friends and colleagues described her as a fierce advocate and a trusted voice in the region — someone who “made people feel seen.” She was also a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son.
“We are all heart-stricken by the news,” Rep. Gonzales said. “Regina devoted her career to making a difference in Uvalde. She will always be remembered for her passion for her community.”
Questions remain
Officials have not released an official cause of death. The Texas Rangers and Uvalde Police Department have opened an investigation, and the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has said results could take 12 to 16 weeks.
There is currently no evidence of foul play, but authorities say all “unattended deaths” are investigated as a matter of procedure.
Her mother believes the incident was an accident, not an act of violence, though many in the community remain shaken and confused.
A community in mourning
The outpouring of grief has been immediate and emotional. From childhood friends to former coworkers, the tributes are unanimous: she was bold, spunky, and “could brighten any room.”
“Rest peacefully, beautiful soul,” wrote one friend. Another remembered her “laugh that echoed for blocks.”
While the investigation continues, her final words, “I don’t want to die,” are already etched into the hearts of those who loved her.
And for a town still reeling from past heartbreak, her sudden loss feels all too familiar.
