A Texas community is mourning the loss of Regina Santos-Aviles, a dedicated congressional staffer who tragically passed away after a fire at her home in Uvalde. Santos-Aviles, 35, served as a regional district director for Republican Representative Tony Gonzales, where she focused on bringing resources and improvements to her beloved community.
According to reports, the fire occurred early Sunday at her Uvalde residence. Her mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, arrived at the scene to find her daughter engulfed in flames. In her final moments, Santos-Aviles expressed her fear, saying “I don’t want to die.” She was quickly transported by helicopter to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, but sadly, she did not survive.
Local fire officials have confirmed that a fire occurred in the backyard of the home. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Representative Gonzales shared his deep sorrow over the loss of Santos-Aviles, emphasizing her commitment to the people of Texas. “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,” he said in a public statement.
Santos-Aviles’ work centered around securing funding and support for local initiatives. She understood the importance of a strong, thriving community and worked tirelessly to make Uvalde a better place to live and raise a family. She leaves behind an 8-year-old son.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support during difficult times. As the investigation into the fire continues, the focus remains on honoring Santos-Aviles’ memory and the positive impact she had on her community. Her dedication to public service and her love for her home will long be remembered by those who knew her.
Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected in the incident.
