A Florida grand jury has indicted surgeon Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter charges in the 2024 death of 70-year-old William Bryan. Bryan was undergoing a procedure to remove his spleen, but investigators found that Shaknovsky severed a major vein and removed Bryan's liver, leading to a fatal bleed. Bryan's spleen was left untouched.
The indictment follows an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and state health authorities. Shaknovsky was arrested and released on bond; he faces up to 15 years if convicted.
Earlier reports revealed that Shaknovsky's license was suspended following an emergency order by the State Surgeon General. The health department investigation detailed that Bryan, visiting from Alabama, agreed to the surgery after initial hesitation. The procedure began with complications, including a distended colon, prompting Shaknovsky to switch from a laparoscopic to an invasive approach.
During the surgery, OR staff reported Bryan's colon ruptured, leading to significant bleeding. Shaknovsky reportedly severed a major blood vessel with a surgical stapler, causing severe hemorrhage and cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to resuscitate Bryan, he was pronounced dead. Staff observed Shaknovsky removing an organ identified as the liver, despite claims it was the spleen.
Medical records and autopsy findings confirmed the liver was removed and the inferior vena cava was severed. Investigators also noted a previous incident in 2023 where Shaknovsky wrongly removed a portion of a patient's pancreas instead of an adrenal gland.
Bryan's widow is pursuing a lawsuit, stating her husband would want his death to prevent others from similar harm.