A California plastic surgeon has been found dead in his backyard pool, authorities confirmed Sunday, days after a patient died during what investigators describe as a botched cosmetic procedure at his practice.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to the surgeon's home in the 4200 block of Mapes Road in Jurupa Valley on Saturday afternoon after a family member discovered his body floating in the pool, according to department spokesperson Deputy Ryan Railsback.
Background
The discovery comes amid an active investigation into the death of a patient at the doctor's cosmetic surgery practice. The Riverside County Coroner's Office has identified the deceased patient as 28-year-old Maria Elena Vasquez of Los Angeles. She was pronounced dead on June 30 at a local hospital after being transferred from the surgeon's private surgical suite.
Investigators believe Vasquez underwent a multi-hour body contouring procedure at the practice on June 29 before she began experiencing complications. The California Medical Board has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the doctor's license and surgical practices dating back several years, though details of prior complaints remain sealed.
Neighbors in the quiet cul-de-sac described the surgeon as a private man who operated his practice from a converted warehouse nearby. 'He kept to himself mostly,' said Maria Gutierrez, who lives two doors down. 'There were always cars coming and going at all hours from that building he used.'
The Investigation
Riverside County homicide detectives have opened a death investigation but have not yet determined whether the surgeon's death was suicide or foul play. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
'We are treating this as an active death investigation,' Deputy Railsback said Sunday. 'At this time, we cannot rule out any possibilities.'
The California Department of Public Health has confirmed it is investigating the surgical facility where Vasquez died. State records show the practice was licensed as an outpatient surgery center but had not been inspected since 2024.
Investigators have served subpoenas for surgical logs and patient records from the practice dating back two years, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Key Takeaways
- The surgeon was found dead in his backyard pool Saturday in Jurupa Valley, California
- Patient Maria Elena Vasquez, 28, died June 30 after undergoing a body contouring procedure at the doctor's surgical practice
- The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating both deaths and has not ruled any possibilities out
- The California Medical Board confirmed it has an open investigation into the surgeon's license
- Investigators have subpoenaed two years of surgical records from the practice
What's Next
The Riverside County Coroner's Office expects to complete the autopsy on the surgeon by Tuesday. investigators say they anticipate reviewing additional patient records as the probe expands beyond Vasquez's case.
The California Medical Board has scheduled a hearing regarding the surgeon's medical license for September 2026, though board officials caution that timeline could accelerate depending on investigation findings.