Brianna Aguilera death ruled suicide; investigation details released in Austin

Event and discovery

Brianna Marie Aguilera, a 19-year-old Texas A&M student, died by suicide and was found outside 21 Rio, a 21-story apartment complex in Austin, Texas, in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 29. The discovery followed the end of the rivalry football game between the Aggies and the University of Texas.

Investigation and findings

During a December 4 press conference, Austin Police Department detectives said Aguilera's death was suicide. Sgt. Nathan Sexton stated that all evidence in the case was indicative of suicide.

Investigators conducted days of witness interviews and reviewed video and digital records. They found a deleted digital suicide note dated November 25 on Aguilera's phone.

Police found no evidence the death was criminal in nature. Video surveillance showed a large gathering at the apartment on the 17th floor, with most attendees leaving the unit, leaving Brianna and three other girls.

Timeline of events

Authorities said Brianna spoke on the phone with her boyfriend about two minutes before she fell, with the call occurring around 12:43 to 12:44 a.m., roughly one minute before the 911 call.

Earlier in the day, Aguilera attended a tailgate at the Austin Rugby Club, lost her phone, became intoxicated, and was asked to leave; witnesses said she dropped her phone and staggered into a nearby wooded area.

Context and aftermath

The body was found outside 21 Rio on Saturday, November 29, hours after the rivalry game ended.

A GoFundMe set up by her family has raised nearly $40,000.

Officials’ statements

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the department issued a public statement about the death to counter inaccurate information and reduce harm, noting that such public briefings are not common.

Detectives stated there was no evidence of criminal activity in the investigation.