Houston, Texas — Harris County court officials announced the sudden death of Judge Frank Aguilar, who served on the bench of the 228th Criminal District Court since his election in 2018. Judge Aguilar died following a vehicle accident on Sunday afternoon, confirmed by authorities on Monday. The crash occurred a day before his passing, significantly impacting the local legal community.
Judge Aguilar, 66, was traveling northbound in a white Jeep Rubicon on the Highway 288 service road when his vehicle unexpectedly veered off the road and collided with a wooden utility pole. He was accompanied by a 57-year-old woman who also sustained injuries in the accident, though they were reported as non-life-threatening. Houston Fire Department paramedics promptly transported both individuals to a nearby hospital, where Judge Aguilar was later pronounced dead. Authorities have yet to release the identity of the injured woman.
Following his untimely death, the Administrative Office of the Harris County District Courts expressed their condolences, noting Judge Aguilar’s “unwavering fairness, smile, and attentive ear” throughout his tenure. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the office stated in their tribute.
Before the unfortunate event, Judge Aguilar had been returning from a Houston Texans game at NRG Stadium, indicating the incident occurred shortly after he left the venue. The community remembers him not only for his contributions to the judiciary but also for his civic engagement and presence at local events.
Earlier in the year, Judge Aguilar made headlines concerning personal legal challenges. Court documents revealed an incident on New Year’s Eve involving allegations of family violence in Galveston County. Aguilar faced accusations from his girlfriend, who claimed he had assaulted her during a dispute while under the influence of alcohol. The judge was subsequently arrested and had taken a leave of absence following the accusations, raising concerns and discussions about his personal conduct away from the bench.
Despite his complex personal life, many colleagues and local departments have paid their respects and highlighted his efforts to overcome personal hurdles and serve the community with dedication. Judge Natalia Cornelio of the 351st District Court, noted on social media that Aguilar “served the community with demonstrated compassion and fairness,” reflecting on his journey and contributions despite personal struggles.
The Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department also expressed their grief over Aguilar’s passing, underscoring the loss felt by both his colleagues and those who benefited from his judicial oversight.
As the community reflects on Judge Aguilar’s career and contributions, further investigations into the crash are ongoing, led by the Houston Police Department. They aim to provide clarity on the sequence of events leading up to the accident and any potential contributing factors that may have played a role in this tragic incident.