Mum of hero cop who died after breast implant removing op claims docs hid daughter’s demise
The mum of a hero cop who died after a boob implant removal operation in the Dominican Republic claims doctors hid her daughter’s death when she rushed to her side
Rebecca De Paula died after flying out to the Caribbean for a breast implant removal operation(Image: Jam Press/@nydo_1993)
The devastated mum of a cop who died after undergoing a cosmetic procedure in the Dominican Republic claims doctors covered up the fact her daughter was dead when she raced to the clinic. Rebecca De Paula, 31, tragically passed away just one week after flying out to the Caribbean island for a breast implant removal operation.
Local media outlet El Dia reported that the former NYPD officer of the month died at a Santo Domingo clinic after allegedly suffering a bacterial infection.
Her heartbroken family are now demanding a full investigation, with her mother speaking out about what happened when she rushed to her daughter’s bedside.
Rebecca’s heartbroken family are demanding a full investigation into her death, with her mother speaking out
Speaking to local television, her mum, 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.”
Local authorities in the Dominican Republic have yet to formally confirm the exact cause of death as investigations remain ongoing, while arrangements are being made to fly Rebecca’s body back to the US.
Local authorities in the Dominican Republic have yet to formally confirm the exact cause of Rebecca’s death
The 31-year-old was a devout Christian and pastor who joined the NYPD in January 2025, serving with the 46th Precinct in the Bronx.
She was named “Officer of the Month” after earning praise for her outstanding police work and dedication to the community.
Paying tribute online, her former instructor David Marmol remembered 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.”
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.
