Rachel Tussey, a 47‑year‑old Ohio mother and TikTok creator, has died after complications tied to a cosmetic “mommy makeover” procedure, her family’s attorney confirmed.
Tussey passed away on March 17 at a hospice facility, nearly two weeks after being removed from life support, attorney Bernie Layne told The Cincinnati Enquirer. She leaves behind her husband and three children.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Rachel’s passing,” her family said. “The outpouring of support from our community and beyond has brought us so much comfort… We ask for time and space to grieve our unimaginable loss.”
A social media presence cut short
Tussey 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 preparation for 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, or tummy tuck, at JourneyLite Surgery Center in Evendale, performed by Dr. Shahryar Tork.
According to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the surgery initially seemed successful. He said he spoke with her in recovery — until her condition suddenly deteriorated.
In a TikTok video viewed millions of times, he described her face turning pale before she became unresponsive.
He said she had been given the pain medications Dilaudid and fentanyl. Narcan was administered but did not help. She 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.”
Around March 5, he made the devastating decision to remove her from life support after doctors reported minimal brain activity.
Allegations and investigation
A GoFundMe page created for the family — which has raised more than $35,000 — suggested that “medical neglect” may have played a role.
Her attorney confirmed she suffered a “permanent anoxic brain injury,” meaning her brain was deprived of oxygen for too long.
“Rachel Tussey suffered a permanent anoxic brain injury, from which she will never recover,” Layne said, adding that the priority is supporting the family while a full investigation moves forward.
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 issued statements saying the surgery itself was completed without complications.
“Rachel’s surgery was completed successfully and without complications,” he said, noting she was in “excellent condition” when transferred to recovery.
He explained that her postoperative 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,” he said. “I hope that, in time, the full facts… come to light.”
He also confirmed he has stopped performing procedures at that center.
JourneyLite Surgery Center has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
Remembering Rachel
Friends and family described Tussey as kind, generous, and deeply committed to 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 reads.
She also organized donation drives for disaster relief, helping collect and deliver supplies to those in need.
What is a “mommy makeover”?
A “mommy makeover” often includes procedures such as a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles.
While popular — with more than 160,000 tummy tucks performed annually in the U.S. — the surgery carries risks, particularly if complications occur during or after recovery.
