Questions Arise After Texas A&M Student Found Dead Following Tailgate Event
A Texas A&M University student was discovered dead in an Austin apartment shortly after attending a university football game, prompting her mother to question the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death. Brianna Aguilera, 19, was found early Saturday morning, with authorities stating that foul play is not suspected and the case is not being investigated as a homicide.
Why It Matters
The incident raises significant concerns about safety during social events, particularly within the college environment. It also highlights the emotional turmoil families face when seeking clarity regarding the loss of loved ones, especially when conflicting narratives emerge from law enforcement and family members.
Key Developments
- Brianna Aguilera fell 17 stories from a building and was later found deceased, according to the police.
- Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, claims her daughter’s phone was retrieved from a purse that had been discarded in the woods.
- Rodriguez asserts that her daughter had been involved in a fight prior to her death and believes the official account is incorrect.
- The Austin Police Department has stated there are no suspicious circumstances noted in Aguilera’s death, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Full Report
Circumstances of Death
Brianna Aguilera was located at 21 Rio Apartments shortly after midnight, following a tailgate preceding the Texas A&M University vs. University of Texas football game. Initial reports from the Austin Police indicate that her death is not being treated as a homicide. Authorities state that they have found no evidence suggesting foul play.
Family’s Perspective
Rodriguez has publicly criticized the investigation, stating that detectives informed her her daughter fell from the balcony and labeled it either an accident or a suicide. She vehemently disagrees with this assessment, emphasizing her belief that Aguilera would not have willingly jumped. “This was not accidental. Someone killed my Brie,” Rodriguez expressed on social media.
Furthermore, Rodriguez shared that a dispute had occurred between Aguilera and another girl prior to her death. She alleges that text messages confirming this altercation were disregarded by investigators.
Concerns Over Communication
Rodriguez noted the peculiarities surrounding Aguilera’s last known activities, stating that her phone was found on “Do Not Disturb” and that there was a breakdown in communication leading up to her daughter’s passing. Rodriguez mentioned, “No one reached out to me… I was the one who had to place several calls to Austin PD because I couldn’t locate her.”
Official Statements
In response to the speculation and concerns raised by the family, the Austin Police Department reiterated that their investigation does not support the notion of foul play. Their statement emphasized the department’s commitment to thorough investigations and extended condolences to those affected by Aguilera’s death. They also indicated that the autopsy process could take up to 90 days or longer.
Context & Previous Events
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by college students and their families regarding safety in social settings. It underscores the emotional weight that families carry when dealing with untimely losses and the need for clear communication between authorities and bereaved families. As the investigation progresses, both the community and the Aguilera family continue to seek answers.
