Doctor Charged After Devastating Surgical Mix Up

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Walton County physician is behind bars following a grand jury indictment tied to the death of an Alabama man during a 2024 surgical procedure.

The Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s First Judicial Circuit announced that a Walton County Grand Jury has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

The charge stems from an incident on August 21, 2024, when a 70-year-old patient from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, died during what was expected to be a routine laparoscopic splenectomy.

According to investigators, Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly removed the patient’s liver instead of the spleen, leading to catastrophic blood loss. The patient died on the operating table.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office and medical authorities. After reviewing the findings, the grand jury determined there was probable cause to support a criminal charge.

“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The Grand Jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process.”

Authorities say Dr. Shaknovsky was taken into custody Monday morning in Miramar Beach and transported to the Walton County Jail. He is currently awaiting his first court appearance.

Officials added that the investigation was extensive and involved both law enforcement and medical experts.

Sheriff Adkinson also expressed condolences to the victim’s family, calling their loss “unspeakable.”