Gulf Breeze plastic surgeon Ben Brown has been arrested in connection with the death of his wife, Hillary Brown. The 33-year-old passed away after going into cardiac arrest while undergoing procedures at his office, Restore Plastic Surgery, last November. Ben Brown is facing charges of second degree felony homicide: manslaughter by culpable negligence. He turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued by a judge and is currently in custody at the Santa Rosa County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
An investigation by the Florida Health Department revealed troubling details about the incident. It was reported that Ben Brown delayed calling 911 when his wife became unresponsive, waited before administering CPR, and did not have necessary life-saving equipment on hand. Additionally, he did not follow proper medical protocols when administering sedatives, which ultimately led to Hillary’s death.
The arrest has brought some relief to Marty Ellington, Hillary’s father, who believes that Ben Brown is responsible for his daughter’s untimely death. He expressed his desire for justice for Hillary and the children she left behind, highlighting the impact of her loss on their family. The Florida Department of Health has taken action by restricting Ben Brown’s medical license and issuing an emergency order to ensure the safety of the public.
Further investigation revealed that Hillary Brown was allowed to prepare her anesthesia solution before the procedures, despite not being a licensed medical professional. She exhibited signs of lidocaine toxicity during the surgery, which Ben Brown failed to address promptly. Despite staff eventually calling 911, Hillary was taken off life support a week later.
The health department’s findings also pointed out several violations of medical standards by Ben Brown, including performing unauthorized procedures, neglecting sterility protocols, and providing inadequate wound care. Marty Ellington shared his disappointment in Ben Brown’s behavior during his daughter’s hospitalization, emphasizing Ben’s apparent focus on financial matters rather than Hillary’s well-being.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Ben Brown for outstanding debts, and he has faced financial challenges, including losing his office property to foreclosure. Despite these difficulties, Ben Brown has denied any wrongdoing through a statement released by his public relations team.
The tragic incident involving Ben and Hillary Brown has raised concerns about medical practices and patient safety. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to medical standards and prioritizing patient care above all else. The impact of such incidents extends beyond the individuals involved, affecting families, communities, and the healthcare system as a whole. It is essential for authorities to investigate thoroughly, hold accountable those responsible, and take steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.