In a significant legal development, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky faces serious charges after being indicted by a grand jury for second-degree manslaughter. This comes in connection with the tragic death of a 70-year-old Alabama man in 2024.
WALTON COUNTY, Fla — The Walton County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of Dr. Shaknovsky, a Florida-based physician, following allegations of a severe surgical mistake that led to his indictment. Authorities have charged him with second-degree manslaughter after he reportedly removed the wrong organ from a patient during surgery. He is currently held in the Walton County jail.
The incident in question involves the death of William Bryan, a military veteran who tragically passed away on the operating table at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, Florida, in August 2024. During what should have been a routine laparoscopic splenectomy, Shaknovsky allegedly removed Bryan’s liver instead of his spleen, leading to the fatal outcome.
This story continues below.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the grand jury found sufficient probable cause to suggest that Shaknovsky’s actions in the operating room amounted to criminal conduct under Florida law. This decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and the legal process that will follow.
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson commented on the situation, stating, “Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor. The Grand Jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and their unspeakable loss. We are committed to seeing this case through with the professionalism and integrity our community expects.”
Previously, First Coast News reported that in September 2024, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued a 21-page emergency order that suspended Shaknovsky’s license to practice as an osteopathic physician in the state. In the order, Ladapo cited Shaknovsky’s “egregious surgical errors” and “fabrication of medical records,” labeling him as “an immediate, serious danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the public.”
The emergency suspension order spelled out a history of problems. It said in May 2023 Shaknovsky removed a portion of a different patient’s pancreas instead of his adrenal gland at that same hospital and claimed the adrenal gland had “migrated” to a different part of the body. Florida Insurance Regulation records show that the patient suffered permanent injuries including loss of fingers and loss or damage to his organs. The case was settled for $400,000, according to the Florida Insurance Regulation records.
In November 2024, Shaknovsky voluntarily surrendered his license to practice medicine in Alabama. His license status in Florida is listed on the Department of Health’s (DOH) website as “retired,” meaning he is not authorized to practice in the state according to the DOH.
Shaknovsky was released on a $75,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim’s family. He is due back in court in May.
If convicted, the maximum time he could face in prison would be 15 years according to the State Attorney’s Office.
We reached out to Ascension Sacred Heart, and a spokesperson said, “At Ascension, patient safety is our top priority. Surgeons practicing at our facilities, employed and affiliated, must meet rigorous credentialing standards, which includes holding a valid state license. The majority of surgeons and physicians are specialty board certified with the remainder on a pathway to board certification. Dr. Shaknovsky was never a Sacred Heart Emerald Coast employee and has not practiced at any of our facilities since August 2024. We remain focused on upholding the standards our patients and community expect of us.”
