The Walton County, Fla. Sheriff's Office confirmed to 1819 News an active investigation is underway in the death of William Dale "Bill" Bryan, 70, of Muscle Shoals.
Bryan died on the operating table at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital after his liver was removed instead of his spleen during what was supposed to be a splenectomy.
Attorneys for Bryan's family say Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, who had prior malpractice incidents reported against him, was the surgeon. They said the doctor talked Bryan into getting the surgery even though the patient wanted to go back to Alabama to his primary physician.
Bryan went in for a late afternoon surgery and documents show Shaknovsky blindly removed the patient's liver instead of his spleen, killing him.
The death certificate states Bryan died of blood loss due to the removal of his liver, and the death has been ruled a homicide.
Walton County Sheriff's Office public information officer Corey Dobridnia said the medical examiner's determination that the manner of death was homicide does not necessarily mean there was criminal wrongdoing.
"It's critical to recognize that a medical examiner's definition of homicide is simply 'death caused by another' and has a significantly lower threshold than criminal homicide," Dobridnia explained. "There are five determinations a medical examiner can make which are: natural, accidental, suicide, undetermined, and homicide."
The agency is actively investigating the death and working with the Office of State Attorney First Judicial Circuit, the District One Medical Examiner's Office and the Florida Department of Health.
Detectives are conducting interviews with all parties involved and reviewing medical records.
"We have spoken numerous times to Mr. Bryan's wife as well as her legal counsel," Dobridnia added. "Medical staff and hospital staff are cooperating with the investigation."
Reports obtained by 1819 News show Shaknovsky was board-certified in general surgery. The State of Florida Health Department has since suspended his license.
The latest report by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) details interviews with other health professionals who witnessed the death or the moments following the death. While some nurses said the surgeon was outgoing and loud, they did not think he took things very seriously and doubted his abilities. The report accuses the hospital of failing to ensure that medical staff demonstrated competencies to perform tasks.
No criminal charges have been filed.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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