Rachel Tussey, a 47-year-old TikTok creator who shared her cosmetic surgery journey with more than 25,000 followers, is reportedly brain dead following complications from a tummy tuck performed on February 25. The surgery, carried out by Dr. Shahryar Tork, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Cincinnati, Ohio, was initially described as routine, but her husband Jeremy Tussey revealed the procedure quickly turned tragic.
While initial reports claimed Tussey had passed away, TMZ later confirmed she is still alive but has been moved to hospice care after life support was discontinued.
Dr. Tork issued a statement expressing heartbreak for Tussey and her family. “Rachel’s surgery was completed successfully and without complications. When I last saw her in the recovery room, she was awake and in excellent condition with her husband by her side,” he said, noting he could not comment further due to patient privacy laws.
The Tussey family is represented by personal injury attorney Bernard Layne III, who confirmed that Rachel suffered a permanent anoxic brain injury from which she will never recover. Layne emphasized that the family is focused on supporting Rachel and asked for privacy and grace during her remaining time in hospice care.
In one TikTok clip filmed shortly before her surgery, Rachel appeared upbeat, telling viewers, “Please pray. I know it’s gonna be great. I’ve waited a really long time for this. I’m in good hands. I know God’s got my back. Let’s do this.” According to her husband, that video captured one of the last moments she would be conscious.
Jeremy recalled receiving a call from the recovery area around 5:45 p.m. on the day of surgery, shortly after the operation appeared to conclude without issue. Moments later, he noticed something was wrong as Rachel’s face appeared discolored. Medical staff performed CPR, but the complications proved catastrophic.
The incident has shocked her online community and raised questions about surgical safety and post-operative monitoring, with the family’s attorney pledging a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Rachel Tussey leaves behind her husband and three children, and her family is asking for privacy as they cope with the devastating loss.#newsafro_
