Gulf Breeze, Florida – A Florida surgeon has been charged with homicide and negligent manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife, who suffered cardiac arrest on his operating table. Benjamin Brown, 41, was arrested by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office following an investigation into the incident at the Restore Plastic Surgery clinic in Gulf Breeze.
Deputies were called to the clinic on November 21, 2023, after Hillary Brown, the surgeon’s wife, became unresponsive and began having a seizure during multiple procedures performed by Benjamin Brown. She was rushed to a hospital where she was placed on life support but sadly passed away a week later.
According to official reports, the Florida Department of Health had already taken action to restrict Benjamin Brown’s medical license prior to his arrest. The department cited discrepancies in the documentation of medications used during the procedures on Hillary Brown, including the failure to accurately record the contents of IV bags and missing documentation of pills she had taken before the surgery.
Witnesses stated that despite signs of distress during the procedures, Benjamin Brown continued administering medication, including Lidocaine, until his wife went into cardiac arrest. There were allegations that he hesitated to call 911 when his wife’s condition deteriorated, waiting nearly 20 minutes before finally seeking medical assistance.
Benjamin Brown was arrested for second-degree felony homicide and manslaughter by culpable negligence. He was released on a $50,000 bond following his booking into the Santa Rosa County Detention Facility. His attorney has indicated that he plans to plead not guilty and will vigorously defend against the charges in court.
The tragic incident has led to the permanent closure of the Restore Plastic Surgery clinic, where both Benjamin and Hillary Brown were involved in the medical practice. The community is left in shock and mourning as the details of the case continue to unfold, shedding light on the dangers and responsibilities associated with medical procedures in a surgical setting.