Key Points
- Austin Police confirm Texas A&M student Brianna Marie Aguilera, 19, died by suicide on November 29, 2025.
- Investigators cite witness interviews, phone data, and video evidence supporting a self‑inflicted fall.
- Police publicly addressed the case due to widespread online misinformation.
- A deleted digital suicide note dated November 25 was recovered from Aguilera’s phone.
- Family members dispute the ruling, but police say the investigation is complete and conclusive.
Austin Police Confirm Cause of Death After Days of Public Speculation
Austin Police have formally ruled the death of 19-year-old Texas A&M student Brianna Marie Aguilera a suicide, ending nearly a week of speculation and misinformation circulating online.
The announcement came on December 4, 2025, following an extensive investigation into the November 29 incident outside a high-rise apartment building in downtown Austin.
Officials said they chose to speak publicly due to the volume of false claims spreading on social media—rumors they say caused harm to individuals who were not involved.
Investigators Detail Timeline and Evidence
According to police, Aguilera fell from the 17th-floor balcony of the 21 Rio apartment complex at approximately 12:45 a.m. on November 29.
Detectives outlined the evidence gathered:
- Multiple witness interviews, conducted several times
- Phone data, including a deleted suicide note dated November 25
- Surveillance footage from the 17th floor
- Digital messages sent the night of her death
Authorities said Aguilera had expressed suicidal thoughts to friends weeks earlier. On the night of the incident, witnesses reported self-harming behavior and a message referencing suicide.
Police confirmed she was on a one-minute phone call with her boyfriend just two minutes before the fall. Witnesses inside the apartment said they heard her arguing during the call.
Surveillance video showed a large gathering earlier in the evening, but by the time of the incident, only Aguilera and three other girls remained. Investigators stressed that no evidence of foul play or criminal activity was found.
Events Leading Up to the Incident
Earlier that day, Aguilera attended a tailgate event where witnesses said she became highly intoxicated. She was reportedly asked to leave after repeatedly dropping her phone and wandering into a wooded area.
Family members told reporters they were unable to reach her by phone later that evening.
Family Rejects Suicide Ruling
Aguilera’s mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, has publicly disputed the findings, insisting her daughter was not suicidal and had aspirations of becoming a lawyer. She previously suggested the possibility of foul play, but police say the evidence does not support that theory.
Austin Police leadership acknowledged the emotional difficulty of discussing a suicide case publicly but said the decision was necessary to counter harmful misinformation.
Community Response and Support
A GoFundMe campaign created by the family to cover funeral expenses has raised tens of thousands of dollars.
During the press conference, officials emphasized the importance of mental health resources and encouraged anyone struggling to seek help.
What Happens Next?
Police say the investigation is closed, and the cause of death will remain officially listed as suicide. While the case continues to draw national attention, authorities maintain that the physical, digital, and testimonial evidence is clear and conclusive.
