Did TikToker Rachel Tussey die due to complications from a 'Mommy Makeover' surgery? Here’s what we know about 47-year-old's sudden demise

The death of Rachel Tussey has drawn significant online attention, with questions emerging about whether complications from a 'Mommy Makeover' played a role. The 47-year-old mother of three reportedly underwent a tummy tuck procedure but was later declared brain dead. She was taken off life support and officially pronounced dead in Cincinnati. Her sudden passing has intensified concerns about the potential risks associated with elective cosmetic surgeries, particularly when multiple procedures are involved, though full medical details have yet to be publicly confirmed.

"Rachel is a vibrant mother, devoted wife, and a true servant to her community. She has always been the kind of person who showed up for others without hesitation - always ready to help, lend a hand, or bring hope to those who needed it most," Rachel's GoFundMe campaign page, organized by Julia McCune stated.

"On Wednesday, February 25th, Rachel underwent a surgery that tragically resulted in an unfortunate situation of medical neglect. Following the procedure, she suffered severe brain damage after extended loss of oxygen and was placed on a ventilator under sedation."


On Tuesday, March 3, Jeremy Tussey, Rachel's husband, shared an update on TikTok, as quoted by the People, revealing that complications arose after the surgery. After waiting for his wife to finish, he said he received a call around 5:45 PM asking him to return to the recovery room. Jeremy recalled that as her doctor was leaving, he allegedly 'assured' him the procedure went great upon entering the room.

According to the GoFundMe page, Rachel Tussey and Jeremy Tussey have three children: Tristan, Alec, and Livi.

The Ohio-based Tussey had been regularly updating her 78,000 TikTok followers in the days leading up to her abdominoplasty on February 25, sharing that it was a procedure she had been 'waiting a really long time for'.

"I’m in good hands. I know God’s got my back. Let’s do this," Tussey declared in a tragic final video.

In a recent conversation with TMZ, Dr. Tork, Rachel's surgeon, spoke about the condition of her patient following her cosmetic procedure. He said the surgery itself went as planned, but he remains unsure what caused her condition to deteriorate afterward. In his initial statement, he also expressed deep sorrow, saying he was heartbroken by her death.

"This is an unimaginable tragedy. I am devastated for Rachel Tussey and her family, and I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts remain with everyone who loved Rachel. I hope that, in time, the full facts surrounding what happened come to light, bringing clarity and some measure of peace to her family and to everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss," Dr. Tork told TMZ.

Tork had previously told PEOPLE in a March 12 statement that the surgery did not take place at his practice, but at an independent facility. Tork stated that the surgery was completed successfully and without complications and Tussey was recovering as expected ahead of her planned overnight stay for monitoring.