Former Florida Doctor Arrested for Surgery Error Causing Passenger Death

A former doctor in Florida found himself in an unimaginable predicament on April 13 when he was arrested right in front of his terrified Lyft passengers. Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, faces charges of second-degree manslaughter after a surgery gone wrong left a patient dead. The alleged error occurred when Shaknovsky removed a patient's liver, believing it to be their spleen, a mistake that resulted in the death of 70-year-old William Bryan on August 21.

The arrest unfolded while Shaknovsky was driving his silver Mitsubishi with two riders inside. Footage captured by NBC News shows the former medical professional handcuffed and pressed against the car window, a stark and horrifying image for those who had just been picked up at their hotel. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about the safety of relying on gig economy platforms for critical services.

Shaknovsky, who had been using the ride-share app for over a year under his middle name, Jacob, and maintained a five-star rating, was quickly removed from the platform after his arrest became known. In a moment of dark humor amidst the trauma, one passenger joked to the New York Post, "We're not using Lyft again. From now on, we're using Uber." However, the sentiment is far from lighthearted for the families involved.

According to the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Shaknovsky was released on bond following his arrest. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Walton County Circuit Court on May 19, where he has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. Sheriff Michael Adkinson addressed the gravity of the situation in an official release, 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."

The Sheriff emphasized the community's grief, adding, "Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and their unspeakable loss." This case highlights the profound risks that can emerge when professional negligence intersects with everyday life, leaving communities to grapple with the devastating consequences of a single fatal error.

We are committed to seeing this case through with the professionalism and integrity our community expects."

Bryan, 70, and his wife were visiting a rental home in Okaloosa County from Beverly, Alabama, in August 2024.

Bryan began suffering intense pain during their stay.

On August 18, he received diagnostic imaging at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar Beach.

The scan suggested his spleen might be enlarged.

Florida's Health Department issued an emergency order in September 2024 to suspend Shaknovsky's license.

According to the Times, Shaknovsky told Bryan he needed a splenectomy.

This minimally invasive surgery was not routinely performed at the hospital.

Bryan refused the procedure for three days.

He wanted to return home to Alabama immediately.

Shaknovsky allegedly continued to pressure him into the operation.

Bryan eventually agreed, and the surgery proceeded on August 21, 2024.

Coworkers expressed deep concern about Shaknovsky's abilities.

They believed he lacked the skill level to safely perform the surgery.

Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, suspended Shaknovsky's medical license a month after Bryan died.

Bryan's widow, Beverly Bryan, filed a civil lawsuit last year.

She sought unspecified damages of over $50,000.

Documents stated that operating room staff knew splenectomies were complicated.

They understood the procedures could quickly deteriorate.

The doctor began surgery before switching to an open procedure.

He failed to document his reasoning, CBS News reported.

Staff reported that Bryan's colon burst out of the abdominal cavity.

Shaknovsky used a surgical stapling device before Bryan began hemorrhaging.

The patient quickly went into cardiac arrest.

Attending nurses and staff attempted to suction the pouring blood.

An emergency transfusion began while staff tried to revive him.

The report stated Shaknovsky did not ask for a clamp or cauterizer.

He continued removing the organ even though the abdomen was full of blood.

Shaknovsky eventually removed the organ he believed to be the spleen.

It was actually Bryan's liver.

The Health Department noted the spleen and liver are on opposite sides of the abdomen.

They are anatomically distinct, have different consistencies, and different colors.

Staff expressed shock when Shaknovsky claimed he removed the spleen.

One staff member felt sick to their stomach.

Shaknovsky claimed he had dissected the spleen when an aneurysm ruptured.

This account was contradicted by Bryan's autopsy.

The hospital spokesperson stated Shaknovsky was never an employee.

He has not practiced at any facilities since August 2024.

Surgeons face rigorous credentialing standards at the hospital.

A state medical license is required to practice there.

Beverly received the news in the chapel.

She waited with her daughters for her husband to emerge from surgery.

"I never even imagined that he wouldn't come out of that surgery alive," she said.

"Living without him is almost unbearable.

A father wished that his tragic passing would prevent other patients from suffering similar harm at the hands of a negligent physician. Last year, his widow filed a civil lawsuit against Dr. Shaknovsky seeking unspecified damages exceeding $50,000, according to Law & Crime.

Joe Zarzaur, the attorney representing the family, described the event as a heartbreaking loss that has devastated William Bryan's loved ones. He stated clearly that they are pursuing justice for this senseless tragedy.

Zarzaur emphasized that Dr. Shaknovsky failed to meet accepted standards of care, while Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast allegedly participated in a cover-up. This alleged misconduct caused irreparable harm, leaving no family to endure such grief due to medical negligence. The legal team remains committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Shaknovsky is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Walton County Circuit Court on May 19. He has pleaded not guilty and now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.