A Texas A&M student who attended the Lone Star Showdown game was found dead Friday night at a West Campus apartment complex, according to the Austin Police Department.

Brianna Aguilera, a political science and government sophomore at Texas A&M, according to her LinkedIn profile, was pronounced dead at around 1 a.m. on Saturday, 10 minutes after officers responded at 21 Rio Apartments, according to APD. Aguilera was in Austin for the UT v. Texas A&M tailgate with friends, according to a GoFundMe set up by Aguilera’s family. 

Aguilera’s death is being investigated strictly as a death, not a homicide, according to APD. The investigation related to Aguilera’s death is ongoing.

“There is no evidence to suggest or support any suspicious or criminal circumstances surrounding Ms. Aguilera’s passing,” the APD Public Information Office wrote in a statement. 

The GoFundMe set up by Aguilera’s cousin, Amabeli Fernandez, has raised more than $36,000 at the time of publication, significantly surpassing the $12,000 goal. 

Aguilera was always set on going to A&M, Fernandez said, and was following her dream of pursuing law while attending the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Aguilera planned to graduate in December 2026, around the time she was planning to receive her Aggie ring. She was the type of person you see and “know they have it all together,” Fernandez said.

“Her little brothers were in awe of her accomplishments. She loved them,” Fernandez said. “That’s just the kind of person that she was.” 

Courtesy of Amabeli Fernandez

Fernandez said the family is still awaiting answers about her death, and said she does not understand what could have happened. 

“I wish I could tell you what conversations were had (in those apartments) … but no one has come forward and told her family, her mom, her father, exactly what happened,” Fernandez said. 

Stephanie Rodriguez, Aguilera’s mother, thanked everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe. As details surrounding the case remain unclear, Rodriguez awaits answers, Fernandez wrote in a GoFundMe message.

“I’ve experienced every parent’s worst fear, but I’m comforted by the knowledge that my Brie Brie touched so many hearts,” Rodriguez wrote. 

As the investigation continues, Aguilera’s cause of death will be determined by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to APD.