NYPD Officer, 31, Dies After Implant Removal Surgery in Dominican Republic

A New York police officer has pᴀssed away following breast implants removal surgery carried out on her in the Dominican Republic, her relatives revealed. The family members have called for an investigation into possible malpractice during her treatment.

Officer Rebecca De Paula, aged 31 years, sought to undergo the surgical operation in Santo Domingo. It is alleged that she developed a bacterial infection that affected her recovery process and caused her death, according to relatives cited by the Dominican news media, Noticias SIN. The hospital where she had the surgery done has not been named, and there is no information on whether the Dominican government’s health department has initiated any investigation.

Officer De Paula had just joined the New York Police Department in January 2025 and was stationed at the 46th Precinct in the Bronx, one of the busiest in the city. In March, the precinct had honored her as officer of the month for her efforts in patrolling the neighborhood.