A Dallas woman who had been in a coma since last month, when she attempted to get plastic surgery at a clinic in Mexico, has died, according to multiple reports.
Dallas real estate agent Laura Avila, 36, had been in a coma since Oct. 30, when something went wrong during a rhinoplasty procedure in Ciudad Juarez, The Dallas Morning News reported. Family members told KVIA there was a problem as Avila was being administered anesthesia that left the 36-year-old in a coma with severe brain damage.
An attorney for her family confirmed Saturday in a statement to WFAA that Avila died as a result of the surgery.
“Laura was a beautiful woman, powerful and full of life,” lawyer Larry Friedman said in the statement. “She had the best of life in front of her until this tragic, unfortunate and senseless death.”
Family members told the Morning News that Avila chose to get her procedure done in Mexico because it cost less than one-third of the price she could find locally. Mexican authorities told KVIA earlier this month that officials were investigating whether the case amounted to medical negligence.
"So that her death is not in vain, people should think of Laura before they look for cross-border discount surgery," Friedman told WFAA. "They should do their homework and investigate the experience, training and track record of anyone BEFORE they sign up. Always LOOK before you leap!"
Laura Avila’s younger sister, Angie Avila, remembered her as “the best sister in the world” in a post Saturday on Facebook.
“My heart aches, and I truly don’t know how or if I’ll ever overcome this pain,” she wrote. “She’s the love of my life, and I know she will continue to watch over me and guide me just as she always has. I love you, Laura Avila.”
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