Doctor Removed Wrong Organ During Fatal Surgery, FL Sheriff Says

WALTON COUNTY, FL — A Florida physician has been indicted after being accused of removing the wrong organ during surgery, causing a man's death.

A grand jury on Monday indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on second-degree manslaughter charges in connection with the August 2024 death of a 70-year-old Alabama man, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said.

Shaknovsky was arrested Monday in Miramar Beach, authorities said.

He was accused of removing the man's liver instead of his spleen during a scheduled laparoscopic splenectomy on Aug. 21, 2024, "resulting in catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table," authorities said.

Under Florida law, authorities said the grand jury found probable cause to charge Shaknovsky.

“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a news release. “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.”

Shaknovsky was taken to the Walton County Jail, where he awaited his first court appearance, authorities said.