Mom of 3 dies after undergoing ‘mommy makeover’ tummy tuck procedure, family says

CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) — A 47-year-old Ohio mother has died following a tummy tuck procedure she referred to as a “mommy makeover,” her family said.

In an update on a GoFundMe page, loved ones confirmed Rachel Tussey was taken off life support March 5 and put on hospice.

Her online obituary confirms Tussey died March 17, “surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to her.”

Bernie Layne, the family’s attorney, also confirmed Tussey’s death to WXIX.

Tussey, who had more than 80,000 followers on TikTok, documented the days leading up to her surgery to help other women who may be contemplating a similar procedure.

“I’m super, super pumped to do this. I’m only 47, and I think I have a lot of life to live. I am so excited to do this for myself,” Tussey said in one of her videos.

She posted an update to TikTok on Feb. 25, the morning of her surgery. She was seen in a hospital bed and wearing a hospital gown.

“OK, here it is, it’s my turn,” she said in the video.

She continued, “Please pray. I know it’s going to be great. And I’ve waited a really long time for this. I’m in good hands. I know God’s got my back, and let’s do this.”

Husband shares heartbreaking update

Days later, her husband, Jeremy Tussey, shared a follow-up video to his wife’s TikTok account, announcing there had been serious complications. He described speaking with the doctor after the procedure.

“He [the doctor] assured me the surgery went great, so he was heading home. As he left, I could hear Rachel in the background asking for me,” Jeremy Tussey said.

Jeremy Tussey continued, saying he then noticed something wasn’t right a few minutes later when his wife’s face had lost color.

“I got down in her ear a couple times and yelled, ‘Rachel’ — no answer,” he said in the video.

Jeremy Tussey said a nurse started CPR and staff called the doctor back.

“He [the doctor] assessed the situation and told them to call 911,” Jeremy Tussey said.

Rachel Tussey was taken to Bethesda North by ambulance, where Jeremy Tussey said doctors told him his wife was without oxygen for six minutes, resulting in a permanent anoxic brain injury.

Surgeon, facility respond

Layne, the family’s attorney, said he is conducting a full and thorough investigation into Rachel Tussey’s death.

“At this time, we will not comment on any aspect of culpability or liability in this matter, but instead we will focus upon providing full support to Rachel Tussey’s family,” Layne said.

Dr. Shahryar Tork confirmed to WXIX that he was the surgeon who performed Rachel Tussey’s tummy tuck.

In a statement prior to her death, Dr. Tork clarified the procedure was not done at his private practice, but at a surgery center and that surgery center staff oversaw Rachel Tussey’s post-operative care.

“Rachel’s surgery was completed successfully and without complications. Rachel was extubated and transferred to the recovery unit (PACU) in excellent condition, where I personally updated Rachel’s husband and brought him to her bedside,” Dr. Tork said.

He added, “I am heartbroken for Rachel Tussey and her family. My thoughts remain with her loved ones during this devastating time. Like them, I am struggling to understand how this could have occurred.”

JourneyLite Surgery Center confirmed Rachel Tussey was at its facility for the procedure.

In a statement, the company said an initial review found staff acted within appropriate standards of care, responded appropriately and followed life-saving protocols.

“Based on the information known to JourneyLite to date, the cause of death remains undetermined and JourneyLite has made requests to both the Tussey family as well as the county coroner that an autopsy be conducted as to whether any unknown or underlying condition cause[d] or contributed to her death,” JourneyLite said in a statement.

JourneyLite said it had been surveyed in the past week by the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, which found JourneyLite was in compliance with all applicable laws and administrative regulations.

WXIX has requested copies of those reports.

The Warren County coroner told WXIX that Rachel Tussey died in Warren County, but there will be no autopsy. The coroner did not say why.

WXIX also reached out to TriHealth because Rachel Tussey was transferred to Bethesda North Hospital following her surgery. TriHealth has not yet responded as of Friday afternoon.

Social media comments raise questions about the need for ‘mommy makeovers’

Comments on Rachel Tussey’s final TikTok video express sympathy for the family and raise questions about beauty standards.

“Moms you do not NEED a mommy makeover. Give yourself grace,” one comment said.

“Shame society makes us women feel like we are not enough the way we are. So sorry,” another said.

Rachel Tussey’s exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Her obituary said she leaves behind her husband and three children.