Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Filed in Death of Texas A&M Student Brianna Aguilera
1/7/2026, 11:59:08 PM
Overview of the Incident
Brianna Marie Aguilera, a 19-year-old Texas A&M student, fell 17 stories from the 21 Rio Apartments in Austin on November 29, 2025. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the University of Texas Latin Economics and Business Association, alleging that Aguilera was illegally overserved alcohol at a tailgate party just hours before her death. The lawsuit seeks at least $1 million in damages, citing gross negligence by the organizations involved.
Timeline of Events
Aguilera attended a tailgate event hosted by the two organizations before the Lone Star Showdown football game between Texas and Texas A&M. According to the lawsuit, she arrived around 6 p.m. and was served alcohol despite being underage. Witnesses reported that Aguilera's behavior deteriorated from upbeat to disoriented and grossly intoxicated. She left the tailgate around 10 p.m. and later fell from the apartment balcony around midnight.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit claims that Aguilera was overserved alcohol, violating Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code provisions that prohibit serving minors and visibly intoxicated individuals. Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing Aguilera's family, stated that the lawsuit aims to hold accountable those responsible for overserving minors and to compel witnesses to provide testimony and evidence that has not been voluntarily shared.
Criticism of Police Investigation
Aguilera's family has publicly disputed the Austin Police Department's (APD) conclusion that her death was a suicide. Buzbee criticized the APD for what he described as a rushed and incomplete investigation, asserting that key witnesses were not interviewed. A neighbor, Dannah Rodriguez, who lived across the hall from the apartment where Aguilera was last seen, reported hearing loud arguments and screaming shortly before Aguilera's fall. She claimed that the police never contacted her for a statement.
Conflicting Reports
The APD has maintained that evidence, including a deleted digital suicide note found on Aguilera's phone, supports their conclusion of suicide. However, Buzbee has challenged this assertion, stating that the note was mischaracterized and that Aguilera had no history of suicidal behavior. The family has called for a new investigation and a second autopsy, emphasizing their belief that Aguilera's death was not intentional.
Official Statements
Buzbee stated, “If the police department will not do its job, then we will do it for them,” highlighting the family's frustration with the investigation. The APD has reiterated that their investigation remains open and that the Travis County Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
What's Next
The lawsuit will allow Buzbee's team to subpoena evidence and compel witness testimony, which they believe is crucial for uncovering the truth about Aguilera's death. The family continues to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Brianna was obviously over-served, even the police acknowledge that,” — Tony Buzbee, Attorney
- “We believe even more today this was not a suicide as has been suggested by police. This was either an accident or something much more sinister,” — Tony Buzbee, Attorney
- “I do not believe the police were ever in [the] apartment during this investigation,” — Dannah Rodriguez, Neighbor
The case remains under scrutiny as the Aguilera family seeks justice and answers regarding the tragic circumstances of Brianna Aguilera's death.
