Texas A&M sophomore Brianna Aguilera died after attending a tailgate event in Austin during the Texas–Texas A&M football weekend, authorities confirmed.
Aguilera, originally from Laredo and one year away from earning her Aggie ring, was found unresponsive at a tailgate held at a West Campus apartment complex. According to Austin Police, officers were called to the 21 Rio Apartments on Rio Grande Street at 12:47 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, where she was pronounced dead minutes later at 12:57 p.m.
“When officers arrived on the scene, they located an adult female who was not responding,” the department said in a statement.
Police also noted that the incident “is not being investigated as a homicide, and there are no indications of suspicious circumstances.” The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Family Seeks Answers as Cause of Death Remains Unclear
A GoFundMe created in Aguilera’s memory says her family is still waiting to understand what happened.
“The details surrounding what happened next remain unclear, and her mother is still awaiting answers,” the post read. “Our hearts are shattered.”
Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, told My San Antonio that she believes potential foul play could be involved. However, local outlet KBTX 3 reported that the Medical Examiner does not suspect foul play, though the cause of death has not yet been determined.
The Austin Police Department also confirmed the case is not currently being treated as a homicide.
GoFundMe Raises More Than $22,000 for Funeral Expenses
A GoFundMe organized to support Aguilera’s family quickly surpassed its initial $12,000 goal. As of Monday, December 1, the fundraiser had collected more than $22,000 and remains open for additional contributions.
Organizers described Brianna’s passing as an “unimaginable loss” and said the funds would help support her mother during this difficult time.
GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-brianna-aguilera-your-support-needed
Who Was Brianna Aguilera?
Brianna Aguilera was a sophomore at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government & Public Service. Before attending Texas A&M, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from United High School in Laredo, where she was also a cheerleader.
The GoFundMe page remembered her as “a seasoned cheerleader” who was just one year shy of attaining her Aggie ring. “Her dream was to always be an Aggie!” the fundraiser noted.
What Brianna Aguilera’s Mother Said
Aguilera’s mother continues to seek answers regarding her daughter’s final moments.
She told My San Antonio that she is still waiting for clarity and believes more information will emerge. According to reports, Aguilera died around 1 a.m. on Saturday morning, though the circumstances remain unclear.
Despite family concerns, police and the Medical Examiner currently report no signs of suspicious activity.
