Regina Santos-Aviles “doused herself in gasoline and was ignited into flames,” according to a UVFD report obtained by the Uvalde Leader News. She later died.
SAN ANTONIO — Uvalde police told firefighters that a Republican congressman’s staffer doused herself in gasoline the day she caught on fire, according to a new report by the Uvalde Leader News.
On Sept. 13, 35-year-old Regina Santos-Aviles, who worked as a regional district director for Congressman Tony Gonzales, caught on fire and suffered “significant injuries.” She later died due to her injuries.
“At this stage of the investigation, we do not have any information to suggest that anyone else was involved,” Uvalde PD Chief Homer Delgado said in a release on Sept. 23, also saying it was determined that she was alone in her backyard at the time. He added there was surveillance footage of the incident.
On Sunday, the Uvalde Leader News reported police officers told firefighters that Santos-Aviles “doused herself in gasoline and was ignited into flames,” according to a Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department report. The newspaper also added that firefighters extinguished a burning gas can in her backyard.
According to LinkedIn, Santos-Aviles had worked for Gonzales since 2021. The third-term Texas Republican said in a statement soon after her death was reported that she would be remembered for working to make a difference in the lives of Texans.
“We are all heart-stricken by the recent news,” he wrote. “She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place.”