A mother described as "loving" has died after travelling 1,300 miles for cosmetic surgery, despite her family's warnings against it. Jennifer Arias, 29, flew from New York to Miami for liposuction and a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) at New Life Plastic Surgery. Hours after the procedures, her family was told she was struggling to breathe.
Death ruled an accident
Jennifer was rushed to a hospital in Miami, but doctors could not save her. She had already died by the time her family reached Florida. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death an accident, citing fat embolisms in both lungs as a result of the surgeries.
Before the procedure, Jennifer's mother, Monica Arias, had warned her against it, fearing that Jennifer's seven-year-old daughter would be left without a mother. Monica said: "I told her, don't do it, don't do it." She had also warned Jennifer: "If something happens to you, what will happen to your daughter?"
Family's last text and demand for answers
Jennifer's sister, Erika Arias, received a text from her sibling at 4.18am on the day of the operation, saying she was heading into surgery. Hours later, she received the devastating news. Erika said: "I couldn't believe it. That's my sister. That's my best friend."
The family said the surgeon, Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, told them everything possible had been done. They are now demanding answers. Erika added: "She was a great mother. She definitely loved her child so much, so deeply." Monica said: "No-one will ever be able to give her a mother's love. My granddaughter has been left without that."
Clinic's history and investigation
According to local media citing civil lawsuits and state and county records, Jennifer is among at least six patients to die following surgery at the clinic since 2018. One previous case involved Naimy Sucetz, 41, who died in 2022 after liposuction and a tummy tuck at the clinic; her death was attributed to a blood clot in her lungs, and Clavijo-Alvarez was also her surgeon.
The surgeon has faced at least four lawsuits since 2020 alleging inadequate medical care caused injuries or complications, which he denied in court documents. In 2024, Florida's medical board reprimanded him and fined him $15,000 (£11,200) to resolve three administrative complaints, with the agreement stating he neither admitted nor denied the allegations.
New Life has denied responsibility in court filings relating to two previous patient deaths, arguing in part that the doctors involved were independent contractors. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office has confirmed that its Homicide Bureau is investigating Jennifer's death.
Fundraiser for daughter
Since her sister's death in August, Erika has launched a fundraiser to support Jennifer's daughter. The page reads: "Our family recently experienced an unimaginable loss with the sudden passing of my sister at only 29 years old."
It continues: "She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and her absence has left a pain that words cannot describe. Most importantly, she leaves behind her beautiful seven-year-old daughter, who now has to grow up without her mom."
The page adds that the family is doing everything possible to surround the child with love, stability, and support, and that the GoFundMe aims to help with unexpected expenses and provide for her daughter's needs and future.
