Second Non-White NYPD Officer Dies of Elective Cosmetic Surgery Within a Year
How can we trust their decision making skills if they opt for dangerous elective surgery in 3rd world countries?
An NYPD police officer died after suffering complications from breast implant removal surgery in the Dominican Republic—leaving behind three children and a family looking for an investigation into the malpractice.
Rebecca De Paula, 31, who was named officer of the month in March at her Bronx precinct, contracted a bacterial infection after the elective cosmetic surgery at a clinic in Santa Domingo.
She died early Sunday after less than two years on the force.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said in a statement:
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our sister P.O. Rebecca DePaula, who passed away while off duty after only 18 months on the job. We ask all New Yorkers to keep her family, friends and coworkers in your prayers during this difficult time.”
De Paula’s mother told the outlet she rushed to the health center after learning her daughter was in a serious condition—but arrived at the clinic to learn she had already died.
De Paula was named the officer of the month just five months ago for what the 46th Precinct called “outstanding police work and dedication to the community.”
De Paula leaves behind three children and her husband, a pastor, who she also worked as a pastor alongside of.
Retired NYPD instructor David Marmol, who trained De Paula stated:
“Horrible news. You was such a beautiful soul. 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.”
De Paula’s remains have been held at the National Institute of Forensic Sciences and will be transferred to the US for burial.
The officer’s family is now asking local authorities to investigate the circumstances around the sudden death, and whether medical malpractice or negligence occurred during the procedure.
During breast implant removal surgery, a surgeon may remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients, or remove silicone material from implant leaks, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Risks of the procedure include deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, fluid accumulation, hematoma, and infection, health experts say.
A total of 93 cosmetic surgery–related deaths of US citizens in the Dominican Republic occurred between 2009 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the last year, there have been 2 deaths of NYPD officers opting for elective surgery in the Dominican Republic. In October 2025, NYPD Det. Alicia Stone of the Internal Affairs Bureau, 40, died a week after receiving a butt lift and liposuction procedure in Colombia.
In that instance, Stone was found unresponsive in her hotel room a week after the procedure was completed. She was immediately rushed to a local hospital, but died a hour later. Her cause of death was listed as “unspecified cardiac arrest.”
In both cases the police officers were non-White women. Stone’s case being unique, because her position in the IAB made her responsible for investigating crimes committed by other police officers. If their judgment was so deluded that they believed going to 3rd world countries in order to get elective body augmenting surgery, then just imagine what their judgment regarding crimes committed by non-Whites is like.
