Texas A&M Student Brianna Aguilera Dies After Falling from 17th Story Balcony in Austin Following Tailgate Party Amid Disputed Suicide Ruling

The death of 19-year-old Brianna Aguilera, a Texas A&M student, has left her community reeling and raised difficult questions about what really happened that night.

Officials have ruled her death a suicide, but her family and their attorney insist there may be more to the story.

Aguilera was found outside a 17th floor balcony at an apartment complex in Austin late last November, shortly after attending a tailgate party for the heated rivalry game between Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin.

Early speculation circulated that her death could have been the result of foul play, though police have maintained otherwise.

Official Ruling Points to Suicide

According to the Travis County Medical Examiner, Aguilera’s cause of death was blunt trauma consistent with a fall.

Investigators stated that a suicide note was discovered on her phone, although its contents have not been publicly released.

Police concluded that the impulsive act was triggered by an argument with her boyfriend after a day of heavy drinking.

Investigators also reported suicidal text messages and prior indications of self-harm as part of their evidence.

Surveillance footage showed Aguilera entering the apartment at the 21 Rio complex around 11 p.m., and later phone records indicated a brief call with her boyfriend, Aldo Sanchez, at 12:43 a.m., during which the two argued.

Just three minutes later, Aguilera’s body was found on the sidewalk below.

Family Disputes Police Findings

Despite the official ruling, Aguilera’s family, represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, has vocally questioned the investigation.

They claim that Austin police overlooked critical evidence and ignored eyewitness accounts that could suggest foul play.

Aguilera’s mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, also believes that her daughter’s death was not simply a tragic accident or suicide.

Buzbee highlighted a neighbor witness, Dannah Rodriguez, who says she heard shouting and what sounded like a heated argument involving multiple people just before Aguilera’s fatal fall.

Both Dannah and her mother said the confrontation was loud enough that it drew concern but eventually quieted down.

Eyewitness Account Adds Complexity

Dannah Rodriguez, who lives opposite the apartment, said she could hear through the paper-thin walls of the building and identified a friend of Aguilera’s, named only as Natalie, as someone involved in the argument.

Rodriguez described hearing multiple voices and pacing in the apartment before the noise died down.

The neighbor’s account raises questions about who else might have been present and what actually occurred inside the unit.

Police have stated that all individuals present that night have cooperated with the investigation, and so far, authorities say there is no evidence to suggest foul play.

Conflicting Perspectives on the “Suicide Note”

A key point of contention is the alleged suicide note.

Police cited it as evidence supporting the suicide theory, but Buzbee has dismissed it as “absolute and total baloney,” arguing that it was actually a deleted essay unrelated to Aguilera’s death.

This discrepancy underscores the ongoing tension between official findings and family concerns.

Timeline of Final Hours

Surveillance footage and phone records provide a sobering timeline.

Aguilera arrived at the apartment at 11 p.m., a large group of guests departed around 12:30 a.m., and she remained inside with three other young women.

A phone call with her boyfriend occurred at 12:43 a.m., and Aguilera was discovered dead at 12:46 a.m., with emergency responders pronouncing her dead ten minutes later.

Witnesses said that those with her did not notice her missing until the following day, as she was only visiting the apartment and did not live there.

Community Response and Resources

The tragedy has reverberated through the Texas A&M and Austin communities.

It has prompted renewed discussion about mental health support for college students and the importance of being aware of friends’ wellbeing, especially during events that involve alcohol or large gatherings.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

You can call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. at 988, or access online chat support at 988lifeline.org.

What’s Next

Authorities have closed the official investigation, maintaining the suicide ruling, but Aguilera’s family continues to seek clarity.

Buzbee has suggested there are still witnesses and evidence that may have been overlooked.

Whether this case will see further legal action or renewed investigation remains uncertain, but the debate between official findings and family concerns is likely to continue.

Summary

Brianna Aguilera, a 19-year-old Texas A&M student, died after falling from a 17th floor balcony in Austin following a tailgate party.

Authorities ruled the death a suicide, citing a note on her phone, texts, and prior indications of self-harm.

However, her family disputes the official findings, pointing to eyewitness accounts of a loud argument in the apartment and questioning the so-called suicide note.

The tragic incident underscores the need for awareness of mental health issues among college students and highlights the emotional complexity surrounding sudden and unexpected deaths.