DistantNews
Support us
'I was calm because they told me it would turn out well': The tragedy of the family of the woman who died during cosmeti
🇨🇴 Colombia /Health & Science

'I was calm because they told me it would turn out well': The tragedy of the family of the woman who died during cosmetic surgery in Barranquilla

From El Tiempo · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A 31-year-old woman died during a cosmetic surgery procedure in Barranquilla, Colombia, after months of preparation and significant weight loss.
  • Her family claims she had lost 31 kilograms and received medical clearance before the surgery, which cost over 65 million pesos.
  • Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of death, while the family seeks answers and justice.

The family of Sara Milena Echeverría Alcendra is seeking answers and justice after she died during a cosmetic surgery procedure in Barranquilla, Colombia. The 31-year-old had prepared for four months, losing 31 kilograms to meet the requirements for the surgery, which involved procedures on her abdomen and breasts.

I was calm because they told me it was going to turn out well.

— Carlos Andrés Hernández FuentesSara Milena's husband recalling the doctor's assurance before the surgery.

Her husband, Carlos Andrés Hernández Fuentes, recounted that the decision for surgery was not impulsive. After a medical evaluation recommended weight loss, Sara Milena followed a strict diet and exercise regimen, reducing her weight from nearly 100 kilograms to 69 kilograms. Following further medical checks, she reportedly received approval for the procedure.

The doctor told me to be calm because my wife was going to come out well.

— Carlos Andrés Hernández FuentesRecounting the initial reassurance from the medical team.

The cost of the surgery, initially quoted around 60 million pesos, increased to over 65 million pesos due to additional charges for a hernia detected prior to the operation, a pain management pump, and medical insurance. Hernández stated that Sara Milena entered the operating room around 10:45 AM on Wednesday, with the doctor assuring him she would be fine.

But what did it get complicated with? If she was healthy, she was a young woman.

— Carlos Andrés Hernández FuentesExpressing shock and confusion after being informed of complications.

However, the situation took a tragic turn. Around 12:30 PM, the family was informed of complications, and by 1:15 PM, they received the devastating news of her death. The CTI of the Prosecutor's Office is investigating the exact causes of her death, while her loved ones insist on a thorough clarification of what transpired in the operating room. The family is pleading for this incident not to be repeated.

At 1:15 in the afternoon, they told me she had passed away.

— Carlos Andrés Hernández FuentesDescribing the moment he received the news of his wife's death.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog