Staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales dies in Uvalde home fire; investigation underway
Police say no foul play detected; death described as accident as investigators coordinate with medical examiners and Texas Rangers
Regina Santos-Aviles, a staffer for Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, died Saturday after a fire at her home in Uvalde, authorities said. The incident occurred Sept. 13, 2025, and authorities described the death as the result of an accidental fire.
Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado said there were no signs of foul play and that investigators view the incident as an accident. Santos-Aviles sustained burns and was treated at the scene by EMS before being transported, and at one point flown to a San Antonio hospital for further care. Four firefighters responded to the residence because it was near the city’s fire station, Delgado noted. The initial 911 call was canceled as crews were en route, but EMS remained on scene and continued treatment before evacuation.
We are devastated by the loss of Regina Santos-Aviles, who was a valued member of our team and an extraordinary community leader,” Gonzales said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “The contributions she made to her beloved Uvalde community and the surrounding area will never be forgotten.” Santos-Aviles had served as the congressman’s regional district director, according to her LinkedIn profile.
In a Monday Uvalde Police Department press release, Delgado said the agency had conducted an initial review of the incident as part of the ongoing investigation and was coordinating with the Medical Examiner’s Office, Uvalde EMS, and the Texas Rangers to gather records and information. He cautioned that the process may take time and reiterated that there was no current indication of foul play. As is standard in unattended-death cases, investigators will review home security footage, dispatch records, and medical data as part of the inquiry.
Friends and colleagues who knew Santos-Aviles described her as deeply involved in community outreach and public service in Uvalde and the surrounding area. Her work spanned local events, neighborhood initiatives, and guidance for residents navigating complex issues along the Texas border region. The loss was mourned by community leaders and lawmakers who remembered her as a steady, community-focused advocate who connected residents with resources and elected officials.
