A 31-year-old NYPD officer and mother of three has died after reportedly developing complications following breast implant removal surgery in the Dominican Republic, prompting her family to call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Rebecca De Paula, who had been serving with the NYPD for about 18 months, reportedly underwent the procedure at a clinic in Santo Domingo. According to reports citing her relatives, she later developed a bacterial infection and her condition deteriorated.

De Paula died early Sunday, according to reports. Her mother reportedly rushed to the medical facility after learning that her daughter was seriously ill, only to discover that she had already passed away.

The young officer had recently been recognized for her work in the Bronx. In March, she was named Officer of the Month by the NYPD’s 46th Precinct for what the department described as her outstanding police work and dedication to the community.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and those who knew her during her career. Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, described De Paula’s death as a heartbreaking loss and asked New Yorkers to keep her family, friends and coworkers in their thoughts.

De Paula was also remembered as a devoted mother and a woman committed to her faith and community. According to her family, she and her husband were involved in pastoral work alongside their responsibilities as parents.

David Marmol, a retired NYPD instructor who helped train De Paula, paid tribute to her in a social media post, remembering her as someone with a bright future who made a lasting impression on those around her.

Her remains are reportedly being held at the National Institute of Forensic Sciences in the Dominican Republic and are expected to be returned to the United States for burial.

The family is now asking authorities in the Dominican Republic to investigate the circumstances surrounding De Paula’s death and determine whether any medical negligence or malpractice may have contributed to the complications she experienced.

Breast implant removal is a procedure performed for a variety of medical or personal reasons, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, fluid buildup and other complications.

The case has also renewed concerns about the risks faced by Americans who travel abroad for cosmetic procedures. According to the CDC, dozens of U.S. citizens died in cosmetic surgery-related incidents in the Dominican Republic between 2009 and 2022.

As De Paula’s family prepares to bring her home, her loved ones and colleagues are mourning a young officer whose life was cut tragically short, remembering her not only for her service in the NYPD but also as a mother, wife and member of her community.