> At a Glance
> – Parents of Brianna Marie Aguilera, 19, file $1 million wrongful death lawsuit against two Austin organizations
> – Police ruled her Nov. 29, 2025 death a suicide; family insists it was “either an accident or something much more sinister”
> – Lawsuit claims she was served alcohol while underage at a tailgate before her death
> – Why it matters: The case challenges police findings and raises questions about underage drinking liability at college events
The family of Texas A&M student Brianna Marie Aguilera is taking legal action after her fatal fall from a 17th-floor Austin apartment, rejecting the police conclusion of suicide.
The Lawsuit
Stephanie Rodriguez and Manuel Aguilera filed the $1 million wrongful death suit in Travis County, Texas, naming the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the University of Texas Latin Economics and Business Association as defendants.
They allege their daughter was served alcohol while underage at a tailgate party hours before her death.
Timeline of Events
| Event | Time/Date |
|---|---|
| Tailgate party | Approx. 6 p.m., Nov. 28, 2025 |
| Brianna found dead | Early morning, Nov. 29, 2025 |
| Police declare suicide | Dec. 4, 2025 |
| Family files lawsuit | Jan. 6, 2026 |
According to the lawsuit, witnesses saw Brianna become “disoriented and ultimately grossly intoxicated” before losing her phone and stumbling into nearby woods.
Conflicting Accounts
Austin Police maintain their suicide ruling, citing:
- A deleted suicide note dated Nov. 25 found on her phone
- Text messages about suicide sent the night she died
- Previous suicidal comments made to friends in October
Family attorney Tony Buzbee countered:
> “We believe even more today that this was not a suicide as has been suggested by the police. This was either an accident or something much more sinister.”
Neighbor Dana Rodriguez, who lived across the hall, claimed she heard “screaming” that night and said police never interviewed her or entered the apartment where Brianna died.
Key Takeaways
- The family disputes the suicide ruling and seeks accountability from the organizations that hosted the tailgate
- Underage drinking allegations form a key part of the wrongful death claim
- A neighbor says she heard distressing sounds but was never questioned by police
- Police stand by their suicide determination based on digital and witness evidence
The case highlights the tragic intersection of college party culture, underage drinking, and contested death investigations.
