Jeremy Tussey, both individually and as Administrator of the Estate of his wife, Rachel Tussey, has filed a civil lawsuit in Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas against JourneyLite of Cincinnati, LLC, Associated Anesthesiologists of Springfield, Inc., and multiple physicians, nurse anesthetists, and nurses, alleging that medical negligence and systemic failures led to Rachel Tussey’s wrongful death on March 17, 2026, following a surgical procedure on February 25, 2026.
According to the complaint, Rachel Tussey underwent an abdominoplasty (commonly known as a “tummy tuck”), liposuction, and an umbilical hernia repair on February 25 at JourneyLite’s Evandale surgery center. The lawsuit alleges that following an uncomplicated surgery, Mrs. Tussey was administered excessive doses of powerful opioid medications during post‑anesthesia recovery and was left without appropriate monitoring, staffing, and emergency response capabilities.
The complaint further alleges that Mrs. Tussey suffered acute respiratory failure, resulting in prolonged oxygen deprivation to her brain, catastrophic anoxic brain injury, and ultimately her death on March 17, 2026.
“When patients entrust their lives to a surgical facility, they trust the facility to protect their safety at every state of care and immediate emergency response if something goes wrong,” said Bernard E. Layne, counsel for the plaintiff. “The allegations in this case, which have been supported by the surgeon who performed Mrs. Tussey’s procedures, alleges a profound breakdown of those basic responsibilities — and that those failures were compounded after the fact by altered and destroyed records.”
Mr. Layne from Mani, Ellis & Layne with Dante diTrapano and Timothy Houston from Calwel Luce diTrapano, PLLC are co-counsel for the Tussey family.
In addition to medical negligence, the lawsuit alleges negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, as well as spoliation of evidence, asserting that critical medical records and personnel files were altered or destroyed after JourneyLite was on notice that litigation was likely.
Rachel Tussey was a wife, mother of three, and a widely followed content creator who shared messages of self‑improvement and encouragement with tens of thousands of followers online.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and other relief permitted under Ohio law.
The case is Jeremy Tussey, as Administrator of the Estate of Rachel Tussey and in his Individual Capacity v. Journey Lite of Cincinnati, LLC, et al., and was filed in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.
About Mani Ellis & Layne
With offices in West Virginia and Ohio. Mani Ellis & Layne law firm provides experienced legal representation to individuals, families, and businesses. The firm is committed to delivering practical, result-driven counsel rooted in thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and personalized client service. With a deep understanding of West Virginia and Ohio law across the communities it serves, Mani Ellis & Layne handles a wide range of legal matters, guiding clients through complex legal challenges with clarity, professionalism, and integrity.
For more information, visit www.yourwvinjuryattorneys.com or contact 304-632-6567.
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