Florida doctor charged after removing wrong organ, resulting in patient’s death

In a significant legal update, a Florida doctor was arrested and charged yesterday, April 13, 2026, for the surgical error that led to a patient’s death in 2024.

A Walton County grand jury indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter. The charges follow an extensive investigation into the death of 70-year-old William Bryan during what was supposed to be a routine procedure.

Case Details

• The Incident: In August 2024, Dr. Shaknovsky was scheduled to perform a laparoscopic splenectomy (spleen removal) on Mr. Bryan at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach.
• The Error: During the surgery, Shaknovsky allegedly removed the patient’s liver instead of the spleen. This caused “catastrophic blood loss,” and the patient died on the operating table.
• Documentation Issues: Investigators and medical authorities alleged that Shaknovsky labeled the removed liver as a “spleen” in medical records.
• Previous History: The investigation revealed a similar error in 2023, where Shaknovsky reportedly removed a portion of a different patient’s pancreas instead of an adrenal gland.

Current Status

• Arrest: Dr. Shaknovsky was taken into custody on Monday morning in Miramar Beach and is currently being held at the Walton County Jail awaiting his first court appearance.
• Licensure: His Florida medical license was suspended shortly after the 2024 incident; it is currently listed as “retired.” He also voluntarily surrendered his Alabama medical license in November 2024.
• Legal Consequences: If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office stated that the indictment is the result of a coordinated effort with the State Attorney’s Office and medical experts to ensure criminal accountability for “egregious surgical errors.”