AUSTIN, Texas — The Travis County Medical Examiner has officially ruled the death of Brianna Aguilera a suicide, concluding a case that sparked controversy.

Aguilera, a 19-year-old Texas A&M student, fell 17 stories to her death from the 21 Rio Apartment Complex in Austin’s West Campus neighborhood on Nov. 29.

“It is my opinion that the cause of death is blunt trauma,” the deputy medical examiner said in the report. “There was no indication based on law enforcement investigation that another individual was involved in the incident which resulted in the decedent’s death. Given the entirety of the circumstances… it is unlikely that the decedent accidentally fell over the railing while standing on the ground.”

The medical examiner’s ruling aligns with the Austin Police Department’s earlier determination. In December, APD classified the incident as a “death by suicide” based on evidence collected during the investigation.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Death of Texas A&M student ruled a suicide after APD investigation

“From the moment this call originated up until now, between all of the witness statements, all of the video evidence, and all of the digital evidence collected, at no time did any evidence point to this being anything of a criminal nature,” APD Homicide Detective Robert Marshall said at the time.

However, Aguilera’s parents rejected that conclusion and filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Travis County seeking at least $1 million in damages from the Austin Blacks Rugby Club and the UT Latin Economics and Business Association.

The lawsuit alleges the organizations served Aguilera alcohol while she was underage at a tailgate party before the University of Texas-Texas A&M football game. According to the complaint, Aguilera became “grossly intoxicated” after being served alcohol for several hours.

Tony Buzbee, the family’s attorney, provided a statement that said the ruling was made “in large part based on the shoddy work of the Austin Police Department.” He called the medical examiner’s conclusion “flawed”:

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. 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. As an example, the Austin Police Department and those involved in the investigation failed to review phone records of Brianna and those immediately connected to her or those at the scene. They failed to interview all witnesses, failed to take statements under oath, failed to put together an accurate timeline, failed to secure video footage, and most importantly, failed to follow through and interview witnesses, even the ones that we identified for them.The Travis County Medical Examiner, as expected, ruled Brianna’s death to be a suicide. This finding was made in large part based on the shoddy work of the Austin Police Department.To be clear. The Austin Police Department’s “investigation” fell woefully short. Brianna deserved better. Her family deserves better.On January 5, 2026, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a lawsuit relating to Brianna’s death. This effort will give us the ability to put witnesses under oath, subpoena records, and compel cooperation of potential witnesses. We will do what the police and other authorities have failed to do. We will perform a complete and thorough investigation and get the answers that Brianna and her family deserves. The medical examiner’s flawed conclusion changes nothing.

RELATED | Parents of Texas A&M student file $1M lawsuit over fatal fall after underage drinking

The lawsuit acknowledged what happened in the apartment remained “under investigation” but stated “there is no doubt her intoxication ultimately contributed to her demise.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.