Brianna Aguilera smiling in Texas A&M attire
Brianna Aguilera, the 19-year-old Texas A&M student at the center of the lawsuit. (Photo credit: Family via TMZ)
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee has filed a lawsuit against two Austin-based organizations, alleging they illegally overserved alcohol to underage Texas A&M University student Brianna Aguilera before her tragic fall from a high-rise apartment in late November 2025. The suit claims this overserving contributed to her death, sparking renewed scrutiny over the incident and the Austin Police Department's investigation.
Details of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in Travis County on January 5, 2026, targets the Austin Blacks Rugby sports club and the UT Latin Economics and Business Association, a student organization at the University of Texas. According to the filings, both groups hosted a tailgate party before the Texas A&M vs. University of Texas football game on November 28, 2025, where Aguilera, then 19, was served alcohol despite being underage.
The complaint details that Aguilera arrived at the tailgate around 6 p.m. with friends and was continuously served alcoholic beverages over several hours, leading to her becoming "grossly intoxicated." She reportedly stumbled into nearby woods, losing her cellphone, and was asked to leave the event around 10 p.m. due to her condition and an altercation.
Aguilera then headed to the 21 Rio Apartments near the UT campus, where she planned to spend the night with friends. Surveillance footage shows her entering the building around 11 p.m. and going to the 17th floor. Around midnight on November 29, 2025, she fell 17 stories to her death.
The suit accuses the organizations of negligence, gross negligence, and violating Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code by serving alcohol to a minor and an intoxicated person. Buzbee's firm is seeking at least $1 million in damages for wrongful death on behalf of Aguilera's parents, Stephanie Rodriguez and Manuel Aguilera.
"Brianna was obviously overserved," Buzbee stated during a news conference on January 6, 2026. "Even the police have concluded that she was overserved at that tailgate." He added that the lawsuit will allow his team to subpoena witnesses, documents, and video to further investigate the case.
Neither the Austin Blacks Rugby Club nor the UT Latin Economics and Business Association has responded to requests for comment.
Family Disputes Police Conclusion of Suicide
Aguilera's death has been mired in controversy since Austin police initially ruled it a suicide, citing a deleted digital note on her phone and witness accounts of an argument with her boyfriend shortly before the fall. Police reported that Aguilera borrowed a friend's phone at 12:43 a.m. for a one-minute call, during which an argument was overheard, before she allegedly jumped over the balcony railing.
However, the family vehemently rejects this, insisting Aguilera was not suicidal and loved life. "My daughter was not suicidal," Rodriguez said in a December 2025 news conference. "I know my daughter better than anyone." Buzbee has accused the Austin Police Department (APD) of a hasty and inadequate investigation, calling it "lazy" and routine for the department.
Tony Buzbee at press conference Attorney Tony Buzbee (center) speaks at a news conference with Aguilera's family, criticizing the APD investigation. (Photo credit: Jason Miles/KHOU)
During the January 6 conference, Buzbee introduced a new witness, Dannah Rodriguez (no relation), who lives across from the apartment. She reported hearing arguing and screaming around the time of the incident, possibly on the balcony, but claims APD never interviewed her beyond a general statement to residents.
APD Chief Lisa David has defended the investigation, stating in December 2025: "I understand how grief and the need for answers can raise intense emotions... But sometimes, the truth doesn't provide the answers we are hoping for." The department maintains the case is open and encourages tips, emphasizing that only the Travis County Medical Examiner can determine the official cause of death.
Buzbee has questioned the balcony's railing height, suggesting it would be difficult for Aguilera to jump unaided, and noted no furniture was found nearby. The family has called for the Texas Rangers to take over the case, though no such request has been confirmed.
Who Was Brianna Aguilera?
Brianna Aguilera, from Laredo, Texas, was a pre-law student at Texas A&M, active in the pre-law society, and had recently declared her major. Described by her mother as someone who "loved life," she had registered for the next semester and had future plans to become a lawyer.
Brianna Aguilera collage A collage showing Brianna at a Texas A&M game, with her mother, and APD Chief Lisa David. (Photo credit: New York Post)
Her death has raised broader concerns about underage drinking at college events and the responsibilities of hosting organizations. As the lawsuit proceeds, it may uncover more details about the night in question.
The Aguilera family continues to seek answers and justice. A GoFundMe for family support remains active, though specific links can be found through local news sources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
This article compiles information from multiple sources for a comprehensive overview. For the latest updates, follow ongoing coverage.
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