Florida, USA – On April 13, 2026, a Walton County grand jury indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on charges of second-degree manslaughter in connection with a fatal surgical error. The indictment follows a nearly two-year investigation into the August 2024 death of 70-year-old William Bryan at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida.
The Doomed Operation
William Bryan, a retired Navy veteran visiting from Alabama, was admitted to the hospital with acute left-side abdominal pain. Despite his initial reluctance, he was reportedly persuaded by medical staff to undergo an immediate laparoscopic splenectomy.
- Fatal Error: During the surgery, Shaknovsky allegedly mistook the liver—located on the right side of the body—for the spleen on the left.
- Catastrophic Hemorrhage: The doctor transected major vasculature supplying the liver, triggering massive blood loss that sent Bryan into cardiac arrest.
- Refusal to Recalibrate: Witnesses in the operating room reported that staff were “shocked” when Shaknovsky insisted the 4.6-pound liver he had removed was a diseased spleen.
Allegations of Post-Operative Deception
Medical records and family statements allege that Shaknovsky attempted to conceal the error immediately following Bryan’s death.
- Mislabeled Specimens: The removed liver was allegedly labeled as a “spleen” and sent to pathology.
- False Explanations: Shaknovsky reportedly told Bryan’s widow that the spleen had “migrated” to the other side of the body and was four times its normal size.
- Autopsy Results: A subsequent autopsy confirmed the spleen was untouched and healthy, except for a small cyst, while the liver was entirely missing from the body.
History of Negligence
The indictment highlights that this was not Shaknovsky’s first major surgical mishap.
- 2023 Incident: In a previous case at the same hospital, he reportedly removed part of a patient’s pancreas instead of an intended adrenal gland.
- Settlement: That 2023 case was settled confidentially for $400,000 in 2024.
Legal and Professional Status
Shaknovsky was arrested on April 13, 2026, and released on a $75,000 bond.
- Prison Time: If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
- Licensing: His medical licenses in Florida, Alabama, and New York were suspended or surrendered prior to the indictment.
- Next Appearance: His arraignment is scheduled for May 19, 2026, in Walton County Circuit Court.
