On August 21, 2024, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was involved in a surgical procedure at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast in Walton County, Florida. The operation, a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy, was intended to address abdominal pain complaints from 70-year-old William Bryan, a resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
During the surgery, Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, leading to catastrophic blood loss and ultimately Bryan’s death. An autopsy confirmed that Bryan’s spleen was intact, but his liver was missing, raising serious questions about the surgical conduct.
Following the incident, a grand jury found probable cause to indict Shaknovsky for second-degree manslaughter, a charge that could result in a maximum of 15 years in prison if he is convicted. Shaknovsky was arrested in Miramar Beach, Florida, and subsequently transported to the Walton County Jail.
Beverly Bryan, the widow of the deceased, has since filed a civil complaint against Shaknovsky, expressing her disbelief and grief over the loss of her husband. “I still have trouble believing it happened myself. Can you imagine?” she stated, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.
In addition to the current charges, Shaknovsky has been accused of two other instances of malpractice that resulted in patient deaths, further complicating his professional standing. His medical license in Alabama was revoked in 2024, while his licenses in Florida and New York were suspended in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson remarked on the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor.” This underscores the ongoing investigation and the potential implications for Shaknovsky’s medical career.
The case has drawn significant attention, not only because of the tragic outcome but also due to the broader implications for patient safety and accountability within the medical profession. Beverly Bryan expressed a desire for justice, saying, “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.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, the medical community and the public will be closely watching the developments in this case, which raises critical questions about surgical standards and patient care.
