RYN GARGULINSKI | Tuscon Citizen

A weekend party turned fatal for a Davis-Monthan Air Force Base airman who died Monday, a Pima County Sheriff spokeswoman said Tuesday. Airman 1st Class Brian Santos, 24, was at a celebration in the 3900 block of Agate Knoll Drive, near East Valencia Road and South Alvernon Way, when he was apparently assaulted early Sunday morning, Deputy Dawn Barkman said. "We don't know the exact circumstances," Barkman said of the assault, "but we do know he was dropped in the middle of the street." Paramedics rushed Santos to University Medical Center where he died Monday, Barkman said. Air Force officials say the cause of death is unknown pending autopsy results but Santos suffered severe head trauma as a result of the alleged assault. Santos, who hailed from South Gate, Calif., was new to the area, having been assigned to the 563rd Maintenance Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in February, said Air Force spokeswoman 2nd Lt. Mary Pekas. "This is a tragic loss for the Air Force and the Davis-Monthan team," said Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing Commander. "Our hearts go out to the family of Airman Santos." No arrests have been made and the Sheriff's office is continuing its investigation, Barkman said.