A TikTok mom has died at the age of 47 after experiencing complications following a tummy tuck procedure she had shared with her online followers.
Rachel Tussey documented her cosmetic surgery journey with more than 25,000 followers on TikTok, posting several videos in the days leading up to the operation, which took place on February 25.
In one video filmed shortly before the surgery, the mother of three appeared optimistic as she prepared for the procedure, according to the Daily Mail.
“Please pray. I know it’s gonna be great. I’ve waited a really long time for this,’ she told viewers. ‘I’m in good hands. I know God’s got my back. Let’s do this.”
Rachel Tussey shared a video from her hospital bed after undergoing a tummy tuck, captioning it “#midlifeglowup #mommymakeover.” But according to her husband, Jeremy Tussey, the routine cosmetic procedure soon took a frightening turn. In a TikTok update posted March 3, Jeremy said he was waiting in the recovery area when staff called him back to Rachel’s room around 5:45 p.m. He briefly spoke with her doctor, who was leaving for the day and reportedly said the surgery had gone well. Moments later, Jeremy heard Rachel calling for him. As a nurse asked Rachel how she felt after receiving pain medication, Jeremy said he quickly realized that something was seriously wrong.
“Next thing you know, I look down and her face is off color,” he said. “I assumed it was from the surgery, you know, from a lack of blood.”
Medical staff quickly rushed in and began performing CPR.
“I’m just a dumb construction worker, but I could tell something was wrong.”
Jeremy said hospital staff eventually contacted Rachel’s plastic surgeon, who reviewed the situation and told them to call emergency services. She was rushed by ambulance to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital and placed on life support.
Jeremy later shared that doctors told him Rachel had gone more than six minutes without oxygen and had suffered severe brain damage. In a heartbreaking update, he said he was told she was brain dead.
A GoFundMe page for the family said Jeremy later faced the difficult decision to remove her from life support. So far, $21,000 has been raised. Loved ones described Rachel as a caring and adventurous woman who was always willing to help others.
Rachel’s TikTok account, @midlifeunmuted_, reflected her bold personality and outlook on life. She described herself as “unapologetically her,” celebrating life over 40 and thriving while embracing a self-love era and sharing her candid, unfiltered thoughts.
Her family has hired a lawyer, though no lawsuit has been filed. Jeremy said he wants answers about what went wrong during the procedure.
Rachel is survived by her husband, Jeremy, and their three children, Tristan, Alec and Livi.