A TikTok star has died following complications from a cosmetic procedure

Rachel Tussey, a 47-year-old mother from Ohio and TikTok creator, has died after complications connected to a cosmetic “mommy makeover” procedure, according to her family’s attorney.

Tussey passed away on March 17 in a hospice facility, nearly two weeks after being taken off life support, attorney Bernie Layne told The Cincinnati Enquirer. She leaves behind her husband and three children.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Rachel’s passing,” her family said in a statement. “The support we’ve received from our community and beyond has meant so much to us… We ask for privacy and time as we grieve this devastating loss.”

A life shared online
Tussey had built a strong presence on TikTok under the name “midlifeunmuted,” where she shared encouraging content aimed at women in their 40s.

With more than 70,000 followers, she often described herself as “over 40 & fabulous” and gave glimpses into her life, including the lead-up to her surgery.

On February 25, the day of the procedure, she posted what would become her final video from her hospital bed.

“I’m really excited for this next chapter,” she said. “If you’re someone who prays, I would truly appreciate your prayers.”

What happened
Tussey underwent an abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, at JourneyLite Surgery Center in Evendale. The procedure was performed by Dr. Shahryar Tork.

According to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the surgery initially seemed to go smoothly. He said he was able to speak with her afterward while she was in recovery, but her condition suddenly worsened.

In a TikTok video that has since been viewed millions of times, he described how her face became pale before she lost consciousness. He said she had been administered the pain medications Dilaudid and fentanyl. Narcan was given, but it did not reverse her condition. She was then transported to Bethesda North Hospital.

“She was without oxygen for more than six minutes… she’s brain dead,” he said. “From where I stand, it looks like negligence. Someone made a critical mistake and my wife paid the price.”

Around March 5, Jeremy made the difficult decision to remove her from life support after doctors reported very little brain activity.

Allegations and investigation
A GoFundMe page set up for the family, which has raised over $35,000, suggests that “medical neglect” may have played a role in what happened.

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 from which she could not recover,” Layne said. He added that the focus now is supporting the family while a full investigation takes place.

The family also stated, “While we are not commenting on specific questions of liability at this time, the actions of every medical professional involved will be carefully reviewed and investigated.”

Surgeon’s response
Dr. Shahryar Tork issued statements after the incident, saying the surgery itself was completed without complications.

“Rachel’s procedure was successful and uneventful,” he said, noting that she was in “excellent condition” when transferred to recovery.

He explained that her post-operative care was managed by staff at the independent outpatient center, not his own surgical team.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy. I am heartbroken for Rachel Tussey and her family,” Tork said. “I hope that, with time, the full facts surrounding this situation become clear.”

He also stated that he has since stopped performing surgeries at that facility.

JourneyLite Surgery Center has not issued a public response.

Remembering Rachel
Those who knew Tussey describe her as warm, generous, and deeply connected to her community.

“Rachel was full of life. She loved adventure, cared deeply for her family, and lived in a way that showed what compassion and community truly mean,” her GoFundMe page reads.

She was also active in organizing donation drives, helping gather and deliver supplies to people affected by disasters.

What is a “mommy makeover”
A “mommy makeover” typically includes procedures such as a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles.

Although widely performed, with more than 160,000 tummy tuck procedures done each year in the United States, the surgery does carry risks, particularly if complications occur during or after recovery.