Australian woman Evita Nicole Sarmonikas died in Mexico while undergoing a “simple” medical procedure. Her family is still clueless about the reason behind her death.

According to a Facebook post, Evita died on a hospital bed in Mexicali in Mexico on Mar. 20. According to the autopsy, Evita suffered a cardiac arrest after surgery. However, it took 24 hours of “countless phone calls between Embassies and relevant agencies” to know more about her death.

The Facebook post further says that the family has been advised not to allow Evita’s body to leave Mexicali. They have also advised against cremating it before an independent autopsy is performed to seek an external opinion. Evita apparently did not have travel insurance, which makes the situation worse for the family. The Australian consulate in Canberra has been in constant touch with the embassy in Mexico.

It will take around $20,000 to bring Evita’s body home. The family has started accepting financial assistance as they are not in a position to spend the amount on their own. The family listed a number of financial and non-financial needs which they will require. The financial assistance is required for an independent autopsy, medical and legal representatives as well as funds to bring Evita’s body home.

The non-financial needs include any professional legal, medical and logistical advice from any professionals. The family is also looking for trusted legal, medical, pastoral and personal contacts for accommodation, transport and overseas support. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it is providing consular assistance to Evita’s family. However, it refused to provide further details “owing to privacy considerations.”

The 29-year-old Gold Coast woman went to Mexico with her boyfriend to undergo “simple cosmetic surgery.” The Facebook page dedicated to Evita’s memories describes her as a “beautiful, young, healthy woman.” It says that the surgery involved minimal risks. “Australian medical advice has been that even in the case of cardiac arrest a healthy young body can often be brought back to life when surrounded by a fully equipped hospital and a competent medical team,” it says.

The most recent post on the Facebook page says that things are moving forward faster than imagined. More updates will be posted on Mar. 25, the post says.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au

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