New Rochelle woman is 3rd American to die in 1 month during surgery in Dominican Republic

A Westchester family is seeking answers after a New Rochelle woman died on the operating table in the Dominican Republic.

News 12 Staff

Jul 9, 2019, 2:08 AM

Updated 1,760 days ago

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A Westchester family is seeking answers after a New Rochelle woman died on the operating table in the Dominican Republic.

Maxine David is still in disbelief after her sister, Alexandra Medina, died hundreds of miles away, after deciding to go under the knife for liposuction in the Dominican Republic.

Their mother received the devastating phone call the day after Independence Day.

According to the Daily Mail, the 33-year-old New Rochelle mother is the second New Yorker and the third American to die in the last month after visiting Dr. Felix Almanzar at the Doctor Urena Arias clinic in Santo Domingo. David says there were several red flags.

The Dominican Republic was recently named one of the most dangerous countries to have surgery, but many still make the trip for medical procedures because it can cost thousands of dollars less than in the United States.

Medina's family worries doctors didn't follow proper medical practices. They want those responsible for her death to be held accountable.

The Minister of Health in the Dominican Republic told local news outlets Monday they are now opening an investigation into the clinic.

News 12 reached out to the clinic but have not heard back.


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