Introduction to the Tragedy
The death of a young mother while at a post-surgery recovery house is now the subject of a police investigation. The woman’s mother spoke exclusively about what she believes happened to her daughter and is calling for change to prevent others from being hurt.
The Journey to Miami
She said 28-year-old Ahmonique Miller and her sister Kiera Barnes, 19, both traveled to Miami from Las Vegas to undergo cosmetic procedures at Avana Plastic Surgery Clinic. Hours later, Ahmonique died while staying at a home advertising as a post-surgery recovery house. Videos shared on social media documented the sisters’ journey to South Florida to undergo cosmetic surgery and recover together. Their mother, Wakeelah, says both women were excited about the trip. She said they paid $1,500 each to stay six nights at a business located on SW 4th Street called Keyla’s Recovery House. But Ahmonique never made it home.
The Aftermath
“I have to remind myself every day that this is real,” Wakeelah said. “She’s not calling, she’s not going to send a text and that… Ahmonique is not coming back.” Ahmonique was a new mother herself, to a one-year-old girl. “My daughter is supposed to be here with her daughter,” Wakeelah said. “And unfortunately, she is not.”
Photo provided by Ahmonique Miller’s family
Investigation and Findings
Instead, according to a Miami Police incident report, officers and fire rescue crews responded to the house the night of March 7, which they say was “operating as an illegal post-plastic surgery recovery home.” Inside, they found Ahmonique already dead, and showing signs of rigor mortis, an indication she had likely been dead for hours. They described finding her as heavily bandaged, face down on a bed. “From what Kiera is saying that a muscle relaxer was given and possibly multiple Percocets,” Wakeelah said. Kiera also told police someone at the house gave Ahmonique medication, which is redacted in the report, so she could rest. She went to sleep but never woke up.
Reaction and Calls for Change
“At first, the response was, she’s fine, nothing is wrong,” said Jahra McLawrence, an attorney for the family. “But once they realized that she had passed away, then it wasn’t that they treated it like an emergency, but panic started to set in.” At this time, the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner has not linked any medication to Ahmonique’s death and told NBC6 Investigates they are still working to determine the cause and manner of death. Bob Pardo is the attorney representing the woman who runs Keyla’s Recovery, Keyla Oliver. When asked about the recovery house and details related to Ahmonique’s death, Pardo told NBC6 they do not comment on pending investigations.
The Larger Issue
NBC6 Investigates has previously reported on the growing number of unlicensed recovery houses operating in South Florida, the law enforcement efforts to shut them down and calls for tougher laws. “So, I don’t understand. Where is the legislation? Where is the follow-up? …Where is the outrage?” McLawrence asked, citing NBC6’s previous reporting. “Ahmonique is not the first,” Wakeelah said. “And I hope that she is the last that this happens to.” Wakeelah says the state has an obligation to enact policies that protect the women who travel here for cosmetic procedures, women like her daughter. “It is a big deal,” she added. “A little girl is now without her mother today.”
Conclusion
The death of Ahmonique Miller is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with unregulated recovery houses and the need for stricter legislation to protect individuals seeking cosmetic procedures. As the investigation into her death continues, it is essential for authorities and lawmakers to take action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Ahmonique Miller?
A: Ahmonique Miller, a 28-year-old mother, died while staying at a post-surgery recovery house in Miami after undergoing cosmetic procedures. - Q: Where did Ahmonique travel from for her surgery?
A: Ahmonique and her sister traveled from Las Vegas to Miami for their cosmetic procedures. - Q: What is the current status of the investigation into Ahmonique’s death?
A: The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner is still working to determine the cause and manner of Ahmonique’s death, and the Miami Police investigation is ongoing. - Q: What are the calls for change following Ahmonique’s death?
A: There are calls for stricter legislation and regulation of recovery houses to protect individuals seeking cosmetic procedures and prevent similar tragedies.
