The death of 28-year-old Ahmonique Miller, a new mother from Las Vegas, is under police investigation after she died in an unlicensed post-surgery recovery home in Miami. Ahmonique had traveled with her 19-year-old sister, Kiera Barnes, to undergo cosmetic surgery at Avana Plastic Surgery Clinic. Hours after the procedure, she was found dead at Keyla’s Recovery House, where the sisters were staying.
According to a Miami Police report, emergency crews responded to the home on March 7 and found Ahmonique face down and unresponsive, showing signs of rigor mortis — indicating she had likely been dead for hours. The house was allegedly operating illegally.
Ahmonique’s mother, Wakeelah, is devastated and speaking out to prevent future tragedies. “My daughter is supposed to be here with her daughter,” she said. Ahmonique leaves behind a one-year-old girl.
Kiera told police that Ahmonique was given medications, including possibly a muscle relaxer and Percocets, to help her rest. She never woke up. The family’s attorney, Jahra McLawrence, claims that the staff initially downplayed the situation before panicking once they realized she had died.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing. Keyla Oliver, the woman behind the recovery home, has not commented, citing the pending case.
NBC6 Investigates has previously exposed a rise in unlicensed recovery homes in South Florida, with little regulation or oversight. Wakeelah is calling for lawmakers to take urgent action. “Ahmonique is not the first,” she said. “I hope she is the last.”
Avana Clinic has not responded to requests for comment. Miami Police confirm the case remains open.
