**Ohio Surgeon Files Lawsuit Following Patient’s Fatal Overdose Post-Surgery**
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An Ohio plastic surgeon has launched a legal battle against a medical facility after a patient, who underwent cosmetic surgery, tragically died from an opioid overdose. Dr. Shahryar Tork, from Tork Plastic Surgery, filed a civil lawsuit against JourneyLite Surgery Center in Cincinnati and the Associated Anesthesiologists of Springfield, alleging negligence in post-operative care that directly contributed to the patient’s death.
The patient in question, Rachel Tussey, was 47 years old and passed away on March 17, shortly after undergoing a tummy tuck procedure on February 25, 2026. Dr. Tork has stated that the surgery itself was successful; however, he claims that significant lapses in post-anesthesia care at JourneyLite led to an overdose involving opioid medications.
In the legal complaint submitted to Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on April 7, Dr. Tork contends that the facility’s medical staff failed to ensure a safe recovery environment for Tussey and that an inadequately trained nurse misadministered opiates, resulting in her overdose. The complaint specifically mentions that during her recovery period, Tussey received improper doses of fentanyl and Dilaudid.
According to Dr. Tork’s allegations, the response from the facility post-incident was not only negligent but also included attempts to conceal the overdose by falsifying medical records. In addition to JourneyLite, Associated Anesthesiologists of Springfield is also named in the suit for their role in providing anesthetic care during Tussey’s surgery.
Dr. Tork expressed his deep sorrow over losing a patient, calling Tussey’s passing a preventable tragedy. “This is the first patient you could say that I’ve lost but she was taken from me,” he remarked during a press conference. “This was not a tummy tuck complication. She would be home; I would be seeing her smiling in my office, if those responsible had simply done their jobs correctly.”
On the other hand, an attorney representing JourneyLite Surgery Center has challenged Dr. Tork’s assertions, stating that the medication dosages given to Tussey were entirely appropriate and within accepted medical standards. The attorney further claimed that doses of fentanyl prescribed were considered minimal, often referred to as “baby doses,” and stated that Tussey’s sudden unresponsiveness was not linked to opioids, as multiple doses of Narcan, an opioid antagonist, did not reverse her condition.
The facility has also denied any allegations of tampering with medical records to obscure the circumstances surrounding Tussey’s death. In light of these serious accusations, representatives for JourneyLite Surgery Center maintained that they adhered to established protocols during Tussey’s post-operative care.
Tussey’s family, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing to take legal action as well. Their attorney has indicated plans to file temporary restraining orders to prevent both JourneyLite and Associated Anesthesiologists from destroying or altering any evidence related to the case. This legal move underscores the family’s commitment to seeking justice and accountability for the loss of their loved one.
Prior to her operation, Rachel Tussey had been actively sharing updates about her surgical journey on her TikTok account, which garnered an audience of approximately 80,000 followers. Described as a vibrant and dedicated family person, her sudden passing has shocked her community and online followers alike.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Dr. Tork remains steadfast in his commitment to uncovering the truth behind Tussey’s unfortunate fate. He hopes that by pursuing this lawsuit, he can help ensure that no other patients and families endure the same heartache.
This unfolding case raises critical questions about post-operative care standards in cosmetic surgery, the use of opioids in recovery settings, and the responsibility of medical facilities to provide safe environments for their patients. Further developments are expected as the investigations proceed and both sides prepare their arguments in court.