The Walton County, Fla. Sheriff's Office is asking for expert opinions in connection to the death investigation of William Dale "Bill" Bryan, 70, of Muscle Shoals.
Bryan died on the operating table at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in August 2024 while undergoing what was supposed to be a splenectomy.
However, attorneys for Bryan's family uncovered evidence that the liver was removed by Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky instead of the spleen. His death certificate states Bryan died of blood loss due to the removal of his liver, and the coroner ruled the manner of death as homicide.
Shaknovsky had prior malpractice incidents reported against him and has now lost his licenses in Florida and Alabama.
After hearing of the case, the Walton County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation. Now, they are in a new phase of the investigation and are asking for expert opinions from qualified surgeons.
"We remain in close coordination with the State Attorney's Office and the Medical Examiner's Office to ensure a thorough and comprehensive review of all available evidence," the sheriff's office said in a statement to 1819 News. "We understand the public interest in this case and will continue to provide updates as appropriate. Our commitment remains to conducting a fair, impartial, and complete investigation to determine the facts and pursue justice as necessary."
No criminal charges have been filed.
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