An NYPD officer died in the Dominican Republic early Sunday morning after complications from breast implant removal surgery, according to local reports and statements from the Police Benevolent Association. Officer Rebeca De Paula, 31, had traveled to Santo Domingo about a week prior for the procedure, her family told Noticias Sin.
De Paula, who had been with the NYPD's 46th Precinct in the Bronx for less than two years, developed an infection after the surgery, which led to severe health complications, including diarrhea, doctors told the outlet. Her mother stated that she was informed her daughter was in critical condition and rushed to the clinic, but arrived after De Paula had already died.
De Paula leaves behind her husband, who is a Christian pastor, and their three children. She also served as a pastor for four years. In March, De Paula was recognized as Officer of the Month at her precinct for her dedication and police work.
Her family has requested that Dominican authorities investigate the clinic where she underwent the procedure to determine if medical malpractice or negligence occurred. Remains are currently being held at the National Institute of Forensic Sciences awaiting return to the U.S.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry expressed condolences in a statement to the New York Post, calling De Paula a "sister P.O." who passed away off duty after only 18 months on the job. NYPD instructor David Marmol remembered her as a "devoted Christian" and one of his "best recruits," lamenting the loss of a "beautiful soul."
De Paula's death follows a similar incident in October of the previous year, when another NYPD officer, Detective Alicia Stone, 40, died in Cali, Colombia, from medical complications after undergoing cosmetic surgery, including a liposuction and a "butt lift."