A Florida plastic surgeon, Benjamin Jacob Brown, is facing second-degree homicide charges after his wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, died during a cosmetic procedure he performed. The incident occurred at Restore Plastic Surgery, where Brown allegedly administered a lethal dose of medication and delayed calling 911 for 10 to 20 minutes after she became unresponsive.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office arrested Brown, 41, on Monday. He is currently being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail, awaiting his first court appearance, where his bond will be determined. Hillary Brown, who was not a licensed medical professional, had been allowed to prepare her anesthesia solution before the procedure on November 21, 2023. She showed signs of lidocaine toxicity during the surgery but Brown continued to administer the drug and operate.
The state investigation revealed that Hillary Brown underwent several procedures, including abdominal scar revision, arm liposuction, and ear adjustment, when she began exhibiting symptoms of lidocaine overdose. Despite these signs, Brown did not immediately seek medical help. She was eventually rushed to Ascension Sacred Heart Emergency Care Department in Pensacola but died after a week on life support due to complications from lidocaine toxicity.
In a social media post on November 24, Brown stated, “We need prayers for a miracle. Hillary had a cardiac arrest on Tuesday afternoon. We called 911 and started CPR. Her heart came back but her brain is not doing well.” However, Hillary’s father, Marty Ellington, holds Brown responsible for her death. He criticized Brown’s actions, stating, “His ego and arrogance overshadowed the need for help, prolonging oxygen deprivation to her brain and ultimately causing her death. Ben Brown took the mother from my grandchildren, my only daughter, and our brightest star.”
In May, the Florida Department of Health issued an emergency order to restrict Brown’s medical license, citing his disregard for patient safety. The order stated, “The level of disregard Dr. Brown paid to patient safety, even when the patient was his wife, indicates that Dr. Brown is unwilling or incapable of providing the appropriate level of care to his future patients.” The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that Brown is held accountable for his actions.
