QUITO – A French scientist died at a Quito clinic over the weekend after being shot for unknown reasons and was allegedly denied care until her companions guaranteed that medical services would be paid for, Ecuadorian media reported.

Charlotte Mazoyer’s companions told Ecuavisa television that the delay in treatment may have cost her her life.

The 26-year-old Frenchwoman was attacked by three unidentified individuals and shot at point-blank range Saturday near her house, Ecuavisa said.

An ambulance came to her aid about 30 minutes after the attack and transported her to the private Pichincha Clinic in the northern section of the Ecuadorian capital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later, eyewitnesses said.

Clinic workers tried to secure payment before admitting the mortally wounded Frenchwoman, delaying her treatment, Ecuavisa reported, citing eyewitnesses.

The French Embassy in Quito has complained to the Foreign Ministry over the incident.

“Up front payment was not demanded and the patient was instead treated immediately to try to save her life,” Pichincha Clinic director Carlos Lopez said.

Police are investigating the murder. EFE