Florida Surgeon Charged in Wife's Death After Delaying 911 Call During Procedure

On November 21, 2023, a tragic event unfolded at the Restore Plastic Surgery clinic in Gulf Breeze, Florida, leading to the death of Hillary Brown, the wife of Dr. Benjamin Brown. The incident has resulted in Dr. Benjamin Brown facing serious charges after his wife's untimely demise.

Medical Emergency

During a series of procedures conducted by Dr. Benjamin Brown on his wife, Hillary Brown, at the Restore Plastic Surgery clinic, she unexpectedly became unresponsive and suffered a seizure. This prompted the deputies to respond to the medical emergency at the clinic, eventually leading to her transfer to a hospital for life support.

Investigation and Arrest

Following a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the District One Medical Examiner’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's office requested a warrant for the arrest of Dr. Benjamin Brown. As a result, Benjamin Brown, 41, was arrested on Monday on charges of homicide and negligent manslaughter, according to the sheriff's office.

Health Department's Involvement

The Florida Department of Health took action against Dr. Benjamin Brown, filing a document aimed at restricting his medical license in the state following the incident. The health department pointed out discrepancies in the documentation of procedures and medications, raising serious concerns about the medical practices employed during the surgery.

Medical Procedures and Oversight

The health department's document highlighted the performance of multiple procedures by Dr. Benjamin Brown on Hillary Brown, including scar revision, arm liposuction, lip injection, and ear adjustment. It was noted that the accurate documentation of the contents of the IV bag and the pills administered was lacking, as required for proper medical oversight.

Unusual Circumstances

In a peculiar turn of events, it was revealed that Hillary Brown had apparently prepared her own IV bags and consumed a significant quantity of various pills, including Valium, prior to the procedures. Moreover, she reportedly participated in suturing her own skin, raising questions about her involvement and potential lack of medical training.

Alleged Negligence and Delayed Response

Witnesses recounted alarming accounts of Dr. Benjamin Brown's actions during the surgery, alleging that he persisted in administering Lidocaine despite signs of toxicity exhibited by Hillary Brown. The delay in seeking prompt medical assistance, with initial hesitance to call 911, has become a focal point of the investigation, leading to grave charges against the surgeon.

Legal Proceedings and Closure of Clinic

Dr. Benjamin Brown faces second-degree felony charges and has been booked into the Santa Rosa County Detention Facility, with an arraignment scheduled for July 11. Meanwhile, the Restore Plastic Surgery clinic, where the tragic incident occurred, is now listed as "permanently closed" on Google.