The mother of a police officer who died after a cosmetic procedure in the Dominican Republic claims doctors covered up the fact her daughter was dead when she rushed to the clinic. Rebecca De Paula, 31, a former NYPD officer of the month, died at a Santo Domingo clinic one week after flying to the Caribbean for a breast implant removal operation, local media outlet El Dia reported. She allegedly suffered a bacterial infection.
Mother's Account
Speaking to local television, the mother, who has not been identified, said: "They didn't tell me, 'She's dead.' They told me she was in a serious condition. My brother rushed me there, I went upstairs and I saw the empty bed. Something was wrong, I thought. I said 'Where is my daughter?' And my son told me, 'Mommy, she's with God.' That was the only thing he said to me."
The family is now demanding a full investigation into her death. Local authorities in the Dominican Republic have yet to formally confirm the exact cause of death as investigations remain ongoing, while arrangements are made to fly Rebecca's body back to the US.
Officer's Career and Tributes
De Paula, a devout Christian and pastor, joined the NYPD in January 2025, serving with the 46th Precinct in the Bronx. She was named "Officer of the Month" for her outstanding police work and community dedication.
Her former instructor David Marmol paid tribute online, remembering her as a "great person and devoted Christian," adding: "You would say God bless you instead of hi. You had so many good questions. You had such a bright future. You will be missed by your family, friends and colleagues. May you rest in peace."
Patrick Hendry, President of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, told the New York Post: "Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our sister P.O. Rebecca De Paula, who passed away while off duty after only 18 months on the job. We ask all New Yorkers to keep her family, friends and co-workers in your prayers during this difficult time."
Risks of Cosmetic Surgery Abroad
Scores of tourists travel to destination hotspots like the Dominican Republic every year for low-cost cosmetic procedures and shorter waiting lists. However, figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 93 American citizens died after undergoing plastic surgery on the island between 2009 and 2022, with a spike of 17 deaths in 2020.
Health experts warn that implant removal surgery carries serious medical risks, including severe bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac complications and lethal bacterial infections.
