Texas A&M Student's Death Ruled Suicide, Family Disputes Findings

Brianna Aguilera's mother claims investigation into her daughter's death should be reopened

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of 19-year-old Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera a suicide. Aguilera died after falling from a 17th-story balcony in Austin in November 2025. However, her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, is disputing the medical examiner's findings and has filed a $1 million civil lawsuit, claiming her daughter 'was not suicidal.' Rodriguez says she has hired a private medical examiner to conduct an independent autopsy.

Why it matters

Aguilera's death has sparked controversy, with her family questioning the police and medical examiner's conclusions. The case highlights the complexities around suicide investigations and the importance of thorough, unbiased inquiries when a young person's life is lost under unclear circumstances.

The details

According to the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, Brianna Aguilera died of 'blunt force trauma' after falling from the 17th-floor balcony of an apartment complex in Austin. Police said Aguilera was inside the apartment with three other women when the incident occurred. Authorities claim they found a 'deleted digital suicide note' on Aguilera's phone dated four days prior to her death.

  • Brianna Aguilera died on November 29, 2025.
  • The medical examiner's report is expected to be released on February 13, 2026.

The players

Brianna Aguilera

A 19-year-old Texas A&M University student who died after falling from a 17th-story balcony in Austin.

Stephanie Rodriguez

Brianna Aguilera's mother, who is disputing the medical examiner's ruling of suicide and has filed a $1 million civil lawsuit.

Tony Buzbee

The Houston attorney representing Stephanie Rodriguez in the civil lawsuit.

Austin Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated Brianna Aguilera's death and concluded it was a suicide.

Travis County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that ruled Brianna Aguilera's death a suicide based on the evidence.

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What they’re saying

“My thoughts haven't changed when it comes to, in regards to the cause of death, the manner of death, of course, they were going to rule it a suicide. They were just trying to buy time. Our lawyers … are very well aware of the ruling, but we still are going to move forward with the civil suit case so we can get those roommates that were there with my daughter that night to talk because no one has come forward.”

— Stephanie Rodriguez, Brianna Aguilera's mother (PEOPLE)

“In every investigation, we have to rely on the evidence, and all evidence in this case is indicative of suicide.”

— Sgt. Nathan Sexton, Austin Police Department (KVUE-TV)

What’s next

Stephanie Rodriguez has hired a private medical examiner to conduct an independent autopsy, and the results will be compared to the official autopsy report.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities around suicide investigations and the importance of thorough, unbiased inquiries when a young person's life is lost under unclear circumstances. The family's dispute of the official findings underscores the need for transparency and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it may be difficult.