NYPD Detective Dies After Cosmetic Surgery Abroad Sparks Safety Concerns

An NYPD detective has died after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Colombia. Alicia Stone, a 40-year-old mother of three, passed away on October 23, 2025. Her death followed a Brazilian Butt Lift and liposuction procedure.

The tragic incident was confirmed by reports from the New York Post. Stone was a 13-year veteran of the police force. Her sudden death has raised serious questions about the risks of medical tourism.

Details Emerge in Detective’s Final Days

Stone traveled to Cali, Colombia in mid-October. She underwent the elective surgical procedures on October 16. According to the New York Daily News, her husband said she was perfectly healthy before the trip.

She was recovering in a hotel room post-operation. Stone was taking prescribed anticoagulants and pain medication. A week after surgery, she was found unresponsive at 6:30 AM.

Doctors at the Fundación Valle del Lili Hospital pronounced her dead. The immediate cause was listed as unspecified cardiac arrest. Colombian authorities and the U.S. State Department were notified.

Wider Implications for Medical Tourism Safety

The death highlights known dangers associated with Brazilian Butt Lifts. A 2017 report in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted the procedure’s high fatality rate. The risk of death is significantly higher than for other cosmetic surgeries.

Complications like fat embolism are a primary concern. This occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and blocks vessels. The event can lead to sudden cardiac or pulmonary arrest.

Stone’s husband, Michael Stone, is seeking a full investigation. He has requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The NYPD also sent a detective to Colombia to assist local inquiries.

The death of NYPD detective Alicia Stone underscores the critical importance of understanding surgical risks, especially when pursuing procedures abroad. Her story serves as a sobering reminder for anyone considering cosmetic surgery.

Thought you’d like to know

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a cosmetic procedure. It involves transferring fat from other body areas to the buttocks. The goal is to enhance shape and volume.

Why are BBL procedures considered high-risk?

The main danger is fat embolism. Injected fat can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart or lungs. This complication can be rapidly fatal.

How common are deaths from BBL surgery?

A 2017 study found a death rate of 1 in 3,348 patients. This is far higher than the average U.S. cosmetic surgery mortality rate of 1 in 55,000.

What should you research before cosmetic surgery abroad?

Investigate the surgeon’s credentials and the facility’s accreditation. Understand the plan for post-operative care and potential complications. Also check your travel insurance coverage.

Who was Alicia Stone?

She was a veteran NYPD detective with 13 years of service. Stone worked primarily in the Internal Affairs Bureau. She was also a mother of three children.

Trusted Sources: New York Post, New York Daily News, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Fund the First