On August 21, 2024, a tragic surgical incident occurred at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast in Walton County, Florida. Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was performing a laparoscopic splenectomy on 70-year-old William Bryan, who had been experiencing abdominal pain. However, during the procedure, Shaknovsky mistakenly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, leading to catastrophic blood loss and ultimately, Bryan’s death.
A grand jury subsequently found probable cause to charge Shaknovsky with second-degree manslaughter, highlighting the severity of the surgical error. Beverly Bryan, the victim’s wife, expressed her disbelief at the events, stating, “I still have trouble believing it happened myself. Can you imagine?”
Following the incident, Shaknovsky was arrested in Miramar Beach, Florida, and transported to the Walton County Jail. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Shaknovsky’s troubled history; he has been accused of two other instances of malpractice that resulted in patient deaths.
An autopsy revealed that Bryan’s spleen was intact, but his liver was missing, further underscoring the gravity of the surgical mistake. Beverly Bryan has since filed a civil complaint against Shaknovsky regarding her husband’s death, seeking justice for the loss of her spouse.
Shaknovsky’s medical licenses have faced severe repercussions as well. His Alabama medical license was revoked in 2024, and his Florida and New York licenses were suspended in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This sequence of events raises critical questions about patient safety and accountability in the medical field.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson emphasized the importance of following the facts in this case, stating, “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor.” Beverly Bryan echoed a sentiment of hope for future patients, 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 implications for Shaknovsky and the broader medical community remain significant. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of medical errors and the critical need for rigorous standards in surgical practices.
