On August 21, 2024, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was performing a laparoscopic splenectomy on 70-year-old William Bryan at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast in Walton County, Florida. The surgery was intended to address Bryan’s abdominal pain, which had been diagnosed as a suspected enlarged spleen.
However, during the procedure, Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen. This catastrophic error led to significant blood loss, resulting in Bryan’s death shortly thereafter. An autopsy later confirmed that Bryan’s spleen was intact, but his liver was missing, raising serious questions about the surgical practices employed by Shaknovsky.
In the wake of this tragic incident, a grand jury found probable cause to charge Shaknovsky with second-degree manslaughter, leading to his arrest in Miramar Beach, Florida. He was subsequently transported to the Walton County Jail, where he awaits trial.
Shaknovsky’s medical career has been marred by controversy; he has faced accusations of malpractice in two other instances that also resulted in patient deaths. As a consequence of these allegations, his Alabama medical license was revoked in 2024, and his licenses in Florida and New York were suspended in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Beverly Bryan, the widow of the deceased, has filed a civil complaint against Shaknovsky, seeking justice for her husband’s untimely death. “I still have trouble believing it happened myself. Can you imagine?” she expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.
Shaknovsky, who graduated from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009, now faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted. The legal proceedings will not only determine his fate but also serve as a crucial examination of medical accountability in Florida.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson stated, “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation into the case.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of this case extend beyond Shaknovsky and the Bryan family. It raises significant concerns about patient safety and the standards of care within the medical community.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the legal proceedings against Shaknovsky. Meanwhile, Beverly Bryan remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, stating, “If we had to suffer through this and he had to die, then at least no one else will be hurt by this man now.”