Rachel Tussey, a 47-year-old Ohio mother and TikTok creator, has died following complications linked to a cosmetic “mommy makeover” procedure, according to her family’s lawyer.
Tussey passed away on March 17 at a hospice center, nearly two weeks after being taken off life support, attorney Bernie Layne told The Cincinnati Enquirer. She is survived by her husband and three children.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Rachel’s passing,” her family said in a statement. “The outpouring of support, from our community and beyond, has provided us with so much comfort… We ask that our family be given time and space to grieve our unimaginable loss.”
A social media presence cut short
Tussey had built a following on TikTok under the name “midlifeunmuted,” where she shared uplifting messages for women in their 40s.
With more than 70,000 followers, she often described herself as “over 40 & fabulous” and documented her life — including her journey leading up to surgery.
On February 25, the day of her procedure, she posted a final video from her hospital bed.
“I’m really looking forward to this next chapter,” she said. “If you’re a praying person, I will absolutely take your prayers.”
What happened?
Tussey underwent an abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, at JourneyLite Surgery Center in Evendale, performed by Dr. Shahryar Tork.
According to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the surgery itself appeared to go well. He said he was able to speak with her in recovery — but her condition suddenly changed.
In a TikTok video viewed millions of times, he recalled how her face turned pale before she became unresponsive.
He said she had been given the pain medications Dilaudid and fentanyl. Narcan was administered, but it did not reverse the situation. Tussey was then rushed to Bethesda North Hospital.
“She was without oxygen for over six minutes… she’s brain dead,” he said. “To me, it looks like incompetency. Somebody dropped the ball and killed my wife.”
Her husband later made the heartbreaking decision around March 5 to remove her from life support after doctors reported minimal brain activity.
Allegations and investigation
On a GoFundMe page created for the family — which has raised more than $35,000 — Jeremy suggested “medical neglect” may have contributed to the outcome.
Her attorney confirmed that Tussey suffered a “permanent anoxic brain injury,” meaning her brain was deprived of oxygen for too long.
“Rachel Tussey suffered a permanent anoxic brain injury, for which she will never recover,” Layne said. He added that the focus remains on supporting the family while a full investigation is conducted.
The family also stated: “While we will not comment on specific issues of liability… the actions of every medical professional… will be thoroughly analyzed and investigated.”
Surgeon responds
Dr. Shahryar Tork released statements following the incident, saying the surgery itself was completed successfully.
“Rachel’s surgery was completed successfully and without complications,” he said, adding she was in “excellent condition” when moved to recovery.
He explained that her post-operative care was handled by staff at the independent outpatient facility, not his own team.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. I am devastated for Rachel Tussey and her family,” Tork said. “I hope that, in time, the full facts… come to light.”
He also confirmed he has since stopped performing procedures at that surgery center.
The JourneyLite Surgery Center has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
Remembering Rachel
Friends and family have described Tussey as kind, generous, and deeply involved in her community.
“Rachel was truly full of life. She loved adventure, cherished her family deeply, and lived as an example of what community and compassion should look like,” her GoFundMe page states.
She had also organized donation efforts for disaster relief, helping collect and deliver supplies to those in need.
What is a “mommy makeover”?
A “mommy makeover” often includes procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles.
While popular — with more than 160,000 tummy tuck procedures performed annually in the U.S. — the surgery carries risks, especially if complications arise during or after recovery.
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