Ohio Mom Dies After Tummy Tuck Complications
An Ohio mother of three has died following complications that arose after undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, sparking an investigation into the care she received. Rachel Tussey, 47, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, just over a week after the surgery performed on February 25, 2026.
Documenting the Journey on TikTok
Rachel Tussey, known as “midlifeunmuted_” on TikTok, had been openly sharing her preparations for the “mommy makeover” with her over 25,000 followers. She documented her consultation with the surgeon and expressed both excitement and apprehension about the procedure. In a video posted before the surgery, Tussey stated, “Please pray. I recognize it’s gonna be great. I’ve waited a really long time for this,” adding, “I’m in good hands, I know God’s got my back. Let’s do this.”
The Surgery and Subsequent Complications
According to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the surgery initially appeared successful. However, Rachel quickly began to experience complications. Jeremy recounted that a nurse administered pain medication – 0.5 mg of dilaudid and 150 mcg of fentanyl – and shortly after, Rachel’s condition deteriorated. He noticed a change in her complexion and found her unresponsive when he called her name.
Nurses initiated CPR, and Rachel was transported to Bethesda North Hospital, where she was placed on a ventilator. Doctors informed Jeremy that Rachel had been without oxygen for over six minutes and was later declared brain dead. The family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support.
Husband Questions Care Received
Jeremy Tussey has publicly questioned the level of care his wife received, suggesting potential negligence. He believes the dosage of painkillers administered at the surgery center may have been too high. “To me, it looks like incompetence,” he stated in a TikTok video. “Somebody dropped the ball here.”
Fundraiser and Community Support
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the Tussey family following Rachel’s death. As of March 7, 2026, the fundraiser had raised over $19,060 in donations. Friends and family have described Rachel as a vibrant and compassionate member of the community, always willing to help others.
Legal Considerations
The Tussey family has retained legal counsel and is considering their options, but has not yet filed a lawsuit against the surgeon. The circumstances surrounding Rachel Tussey’s death are under review.
Rachel Tussey is survived by her husband, Jeremy, and their three children: Tristan, Alec, and Livi.