UVALDE, Texas — Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old congressional staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales, tragically died over the weekend after sustaining severe burns in a fire at her Uvalde home, officials confirmed.

Emergency responders, including local police, fire personnel, and emergency medical services, were dispatched to the residence on Saturday, Sept. 13, shortly after 9:30 p.m. local time, according to statements from the Uvalde Police Department and the official incident report obtained by PEOPLE.

Authorities told the San Antonio Express-News that Santos-Aviles was on fire when first responders arrived. Fire Chief Mario Range described the scene, explaining that a fire behind the home had already been extinguished using a fire extinguisher prior to their arrival.

“At the same time, EMS personnel were attending to a female who had suffered burns,” Range said. “She was transported by EMS and, at some point, flown to a San Antonio hospital.”

Despite the rapid response, Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead the following morning, local outlets KSAT and Texas Public Radio reported. Her family later shared that she made a desperate plea for help as first responders tried to save her, a moment that has left them devastated.

Although authorities have not identified any foul play, the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation. Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado emphasized that, at this stage, there is no indication of criminal activity.

The Uvalde Police Department is leading the investigation in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Rangers Division. Officials have not released further details while the inquiry continues.

Regina Santos-Aviles.
Regina Santos-Aviles/Facebook

Congressional Staffer Dies in House Fire; Family Recalls Her Heartbreaking Final Words

UVALDE, Texas — Regina Santos-Aviles, 35, a congressional staffer for Rep. Tony Gonzales, died over the weekend after sustaining severe burns in a fire at her Uvalde home, according to local authorities.

Emergency responders, including the police, fire department, and EMS, were called to the residence on Saturday, Sept. 13, shortly after 9:30 p.m., Uvalde Police Department officials confirmed. Fire Chief Mario Range told the San Antonio Express-News that a fire behind the home had already been extinguished with a fire extinguisher by the time first responders arrived. Santos-Aviles was found on fire and was immediately attended to by EMS before being airlifted to a San Antonio hospital, where she was pronounced dead the following morning.

While the cause and manner of her death are under investigation by the local medical examiner’s office, her family maintains that the tragedy was accidental, according to the San Antonio Express-News and KSAT.

Santos-Aviles’ mother, Nora Ann Gonzalez, who discovered her daughter outside the home, recounted the harrowing final moments. “The last thing she said is, ‘I don’t want to die,’” Gonzalez told the outlet. “And they told her, ‘We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of.’”

Santos-Aviles leaves behind an 8-year-old son. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she began serving as a regional director for the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2021. Colleagues and officials have expressed their grief over the loss of a dedicated public servant.

Rep. Gonzales, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, released a statement through Texas Public Radio: “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 toward Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”

Police officials confirmed they are coordinating closely with Santos-Aviles’ family, who are “fully cooperating with our investigators during this difficult time.” Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado added, “As your Chief of Police, my heart goes out to the family and friends who are grieving. In times of loss, our greatest duty is to stand together, support one another, and honor the memory of those we have lost.”

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, working alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Rangers Division.