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

Medical examiner's conclusion challenged as "flawed" by family's attorney

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Travis County Medical Examiner has determined that Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera died by suicide after falling from an Austin high-rise in November. However, the teen's family is forcefully challenging the ruling, with their attorney calling the investigation "flawed" and accusing the Austin Police Department of failing to properly review phone records, interview witnesses, and secure video footage.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and controversies that can arise around suicide investigations, especially when families dispute the official findings. The family's allegations of a flawed police investigation raise questions about transparency, thoroughness, and whether authorities are doing enough to uncover the full truth in such tragic cases.

The details

Aguilera, 19, died after falling from a high-rise apartment following a Texas A&M vs. University of Texas football tailgate on November 29. Police initially concluded her death was a suicide, citing an alleged suicide note and suicidal text messages to friends. However, the family's attorney, Tony Buzbee, has criticized the investigation, alleging that police failed to review phone records, interview all witnesses, and secure video footage.

  • Brianna Aguilera died on November 29, 2025 after falling from a high-rise apartment in Austin.
  • The Travis County Medical Examiner released its final autopsy report ruling Aguilera's death a suicide on February 14, 2026.
  • The Buzbee Law Firm filed a lawsuit on January 5, 2026 relating to Aguilera's death.

The players

Brianna Aguilera

A 19-year-old Texas A&M student who died after falling from a high-rise apartment in Austin.

Tony Buzbee

The attorney representing Brianna Aguilera's family, who is challenging the medical examiner's ruling of suicide and accusing the Austin Police Department of conducting a flawed investigation.

Austin Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initially investigated Brianna Aguilera's death and concluded it was a suicide, a finding that the family's attorney has criticized as being based on an inadequate investigation.

Travis County Medical Examiner

The office that conducted the final autopsy report and ruled Brianna Aguilera's death a suicide, a conclusion that the family's attorney has called "flawed".

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What they’re saying

“Since Brianna Aguilera tragically lost her life, there has been an overwhelming amount of love and support for Brianna and her family. There has also been an overwhelming amount of criticism concerning the authorities for their handling of the investigation surrounding her death.”

— Tony Buzbee, Attorney for Brianna Aguilera's family (FOX 7 Austin)

“Specifically, the Austin Police Department, without a legitimate investigation, quickly concluded that Brianna's death was a suicide. This effort was far from what's expected of law enforcement.”

— Tony Buzbee, Attorney for Brianna Aguilera's family (FOX 7 Austin)

“To be clear. The Austin Police Department's 'investigation' fell woefully short. Brianna deserved better. Her family deserves better.”

— Tony Buzbee, Attorney for Brianna Aguilera's family (FOX 7 Austin)

What’s next

The Buzbee Law Firm has filed a lawsuit relating to Brianna Aguilera's death, which the attorneys say will allow them to put witnesses under oath, subpoena records, and compel cooperation of potential witnesses in order to conduct a more thorough investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigations into tragic deaths, especially when families dispute the official findings. The allegations of a flawed police investigation raise concerns about whether authorities are doing enough to uncover the full truth and provide closure for grieving families.