Police rule Texas college student's death after football tailgate as suicide

The death of Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera has officially been determined to be a suicide, according to Austin police. Investigators said a suicide note was discovered on her phone, and that she had previously made comments suggesting self-harm.

Officers were called to an apartment complex in Austin at 12:46 a.m. on Saturday, where they found Aguilera on the ground, suffering from injuries consistent with a fall from a significant height, said Detective Robert Marshall.

Surveillance video showed Aguilera arriving at the complex shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday and going up to an apartment on the 17th floor. Later footage revealed that a large group of friends left the apartment around 12:30 a.m., leaving only Aguilera and three other women inside.

Earlier in the evening, Aguilera had attended a tailgate for the Texas A&M vs. University of Texas football game. Police stated that she became heavily intoxicated and was eventually asked to leave the event.

According to investigators, she told friends she had lost her phone. Once they arrived at the apartment, Aguilera borrowed a phone to call her boyfriend. Witnesses reported hearing an argument during that two-minute call, which occurred moments before a 911 call was placed.

When officers later recovered Aguileras missing phone, they found a deleted digital suicide note dated November 25 that was addressed to specific individuals in her life. Marshall also stated that Aguilera had previously shared suicidal thoughts with friends in October, and that these remarks continued in the hours leading up to her death, including an earlier message indicating thoughts of taking her own life.

Police emphasized that nothing uncovered during the investigation pointed to foul play. Investigators noted that all friends and witnesses cooperated fully and provided open, honest accounts of the night.

Aguileras family had previously told local media that they did not believe she was suicidal and said she had planned to pursue a career in law.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis acknowledged the familys pain and the publics questions, stating that while people often seek clear answers in moments of tragedy, the reality can be difficult to accept. She added that, as a parent herself, she deeply sympathizes with Aguileras family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Author: Ava Mitchell