Meet Dr Ben Brown? Florida plastic surgeon responsible for wife's fatal surgery

An investigation is underway following the tragic death of Hillary Brown, 33, during multiple procedures performed by her husband, Dr. Ben Brown, a Florida-based plastic surgeon. The incident, which led to Hillary's cardiac arrest and subsequent coma, has sparked inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her passing. Details emerge of a critical medication shortage during the surgery and concerns regarding the medical care provided by Dr. Brown at Restore Plastic Surgery in Gulf Breeze.

A recent report from USA Today unveiled the distressing events surrounding Hillary Brown's surgery at her husband's clinic. Seizing during the operation on November 21, Hillary suffered cardiac arrest and was subsequently placed in a coma. Regrettably, she succumbed to extensive brain damage after a week, leading to the decision to withdraw life support. Tragically, her organs were donated posthumously, the outlet confirmed.

The Pensacola News Journal cited a 911 call indicating a potential case of overmedication, leading to the cardiac arrest of a female patient during surgery. Dr. Brown, in communication with Hillary's parents, admitted to using an alternate medication due to the unavailability of his usual supply, as reported by USA Today.


Marty Ellington, Hillary's father, expressed a profound need for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death. Questioning the adequacy of staff and emergency resources at the clinic, he emphasized the importance of understanding the sequence of events leading to this tragic outcome.

Investigations into the incident are being handled by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit, as confirmed in reports. The office highlighted its involvement in unexpected or unusual deaths, awaiting the autopsy protocol from the medical examiner’s office to ascertain the cause and manner of Hillary Brown's demise.

Dr. Brown's emotional plea for prayers for his wife's recovery, made in a social media post when she was in a coma, reflected the gravity of the situation. Married for around two years, the couple had a complex relationship marked by occasional volatility, according to Marty Ellington's statements to the Journal.

Hillary Brown's previous social media post, reflecting on a relationship's toll, gained significance in light of the recent events, although it didn't specify any particular individual.

Notably, Restore Plastic Surgery faces legal challenges, including a malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Brown. The suit, filed by Wendy and William Carden, alleges negligence during a post-mastectomy procedure in 2018, resulting in severe complications for Wendy.

These incidents have raised critical questions surrounding the practices at Restore Plastic Surgery, fueling inquiries into the medical care provided by Dr. Ben Brown and underscoring the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Hillary Brown's tragic demise.