A cause of death has been revealed for the Texas A&M student found dead after a tailgate party in the early hours of Saturday, November 29.
Sophomore Brianna Aguilera is believed to have died by suicide, the Austin Police Department announced on Thursday, December 4. She was 19.
“In every investigation, we have to rely on the evidence, and all evidence in this case is indicative of suicide,” Sgt. Nathan Sexton said in a press conference.
Investigators say they found a “deleted digital suicide note” on Augilera’s phone, “which was written to specific people in her life.”
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Aguilera was found dead outside a high-rise student apartment complex near the University of Texas hours after attending a tailgate party the night before. Texas A&M was in Austin to face the Texas Longhorns in their regular season finale on November 28.
“Between all of the witness statements, all of the video evidence, all of the digital evidence collected, at no time, did any evidence point to this being anything of a criminal nature,” lead homicide detective Robert Marshall said. “Rather, our investigation revealed that, unfortunately, Brianna had made suicidal comments previously to friends back in October of this year. This continued through the evening of her death with some self-harming actions earlier in the evening and a text message to another friend indicating the thought of suicide.”
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told the media that, while police don’t typically comment on deaths ruled to be by suicide, the department felt compelled to disspell inaccurate information.
“Inaccurate information has circulated and been reported and that has led to additional harm of innocent people, bullying, included, and their families,” Davis said. “There have also been statements suggesting the police have failed to do our jobs. Those statements are not accurate.”
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However, Aguilera’s mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, told People that her daughter was not suicidal.
“I would know. She’s not suicidal,” Stephanie said in a story published Tuesday, December 2. “Why would she be? She was living her best life. She loved life. I mean, she loved going to school. She wanted to become a lawyer.”
“I’m thinking either someone shoved her over the balcony, or when my daughter does drink, she has the tendency [to fall asleep], and she’s so thin and frail, she cannot handle alcohol,” Rodriguez theorized. “And I think that maybe either it might’ve been that, and they probably got scared and threw her over the balcony, or they shoved her off.”
Aguilera’s family set up a GoFundMe after her death to help cover funeral expenses. It has raised nearly $40,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
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“The unexpected loss of my brie brie has been a tremendous challenge, but I find strength in the outpouring of kindness,” Rodriguez commented on the page. “I’ve experienced every parent’s worst fear, but I’m comforted by the knowledge that my brie brie touched so many hearts.”
Rodriguez continued, “She adored each and every one of you, and although my princess is in a brighter realm, I take solace in the memories we created together. Thank you all for loving brie always and forever !!! My baby angel and princess is with God, and I find peace in that truth ! Thank you all, and I will notify you of her services, as I know that’s how my brie brie would have wanted it!”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.