The Tragic Case Of Dr. Ben Brown Pensacola: 5 Key Facts About The Manslaughter Charges

The shocking case of Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Brown, a prominent plastic surgeon in the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida area, remains a focal point of discussion in the medical and legal communities. As of today, December 12, 2025, the most significant and distressing update centers on his arrest and the subsequent second-degree felony charge of manslaughter by culpable negligence in connection with the death of his wife, Hillary Ellington Brown, which occurred in November 2023. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his professional background and the critical details surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings, which have led to an emergency restriction on his medical license. Dr. Brown, once known for his work in plastic and reconstructive surgery, is now at the center of a high-profile criminal case. The allegations stemming from the incident at his clinic paint a picture of "careless and haphazard" treatment, raising serious questions about the standards of care and the tragic events that transpired.

Dr. Benjamin Brown: A Professional Biography

Dr. Benjamin Jacob Brown, MD, established himself as a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Florida Panhandle. His career, spanning over 15 years, was primarily focused on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Here is a detailed profile of his professional and educational history:

• Full Name: Benjamin Jacob Brown, MD
• Primary Location: Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida
• Specialty: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Key Expertise: Extensive experience in Breast Surgery (augmentation, reduction, reconstruction) and other cosmetic procedures.
• Private Practice Affiliation: Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery and Restore Plastic Surgery (located in Gulf Breeze, FL)
• Medical School Education: Graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Other affiliations noted in records include the Texas A&M University Health Science Center / Baylor College of Dentistry.
• Hospital Affiliations: Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, Santa Rosa Medical Center (Milton, FL), and Ascension St Vincent's Riverside (FL).
• Medical License Number: ME122557 (Florida)
• License Status (Current): Emergency Restriction/Active (following the incident)

Dr. Brown’s practice was a fixture in the Gulf Breeze community, attracting patients seeking various cosmetic enhancements. Prior to the tragic events of 2023, he was an active practitioner with a focus on delivering transformative results in plastic surgery.

The Tragic Incident: Hillary Brown’s Death in November 2023

The course of Dr. Brown's career and personal life was irrevocably altered by a devastating incident that occurred at his Gulf Breeze clinic in November 2023. The victim was his wife, 33-year-old Hillary Ellington Brown, who was undergoing a series of procedures performed by Dr. Brown himself. The incident details, as outlined in the subsequent police reports and the Emergency Restriction Order (ERO) on his medical license, are deeply disturbing.

Key Facts Surrounding the Case:

1. The Procedure and Cardiac Arrest: Hillary Brown went into cardiac arrest while her husband, Dr. Benjamin Brown, was performing procedures on her at his clinic. The exact nature of the procedures has been widely reported as a combination of cosmetic surgeries.
2. Allegations of Carelessness: The Emergency Restriction Order issued by the Florida Department of Health described Dr. Brown's treatment of his wife as "careless and haphazard." This finding was a crucial element in the subsequent criminal charges.
3. Refusal to Call 911: One of the most shocking claims alleges that Dr. Brown initially refused to call 911 after his wife began having a seizure. Instead, he reportedly instructed a staff member to assist him, delaying critical emergency care.
4. Date of Death: Following the cardiac arrest at the clinic, Hillary Brown was hospitalized. She tragically passed away several days later, on November 28, 2023.
5. The Charge: Dr. Brown was formally arrested and charged on Monday, June 17, 2024, with a second-degree felony: Homicide—Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence. He was subsequently held in custody in Santa Rosa County.

The details of the case have drawn national attention, spotlighting the risks associated with in-office cosmetic surgery and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals, particularly when operating on family members. The charges reflect an official determination that Dr. Brown's actions, or inactions, rose to the level of criminal negligence.

The Impact on Dr. Brown’s Medical License and Practice

The legal and ethical fallout from Hillary Brown's death was immediate and severe, directly impacting Dr. Brown's ability to practice medicine in Florida. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) took swift action to protect the public.

Emergency Restriction Order (ERO)

Shortly after the incident, and certainly following the formal charges, the DOH issued an Emergency Restriction Order (ERO) on Dr. Brown’s medical license (ME122557). * Status: The license is listed as "Emerg Restrict/Active." * Effect: An ERO is a severe administrative action that restricts a physician from practicing medicine. While the license is technically "active," the restriction effectively prevents him from performing surgical procedures or providing patient care until the matter is resolved by the Florida Board of Medicine. This is a critical step taken by the state to ensure patient safety when a practitioner's conduct is deemed a threat to the public.

The Future of Restore Plastic Surgery

Dr. Brown's practice, Restore Plastic Surgery in Gulf Breeze, FL, has faced an uncertain future since the charges were filed. The legal proceedings have cast a shadow over his professional life, making it highly unlikely that he will be able to resume his practice in the near term. The focus has entirely shifted from cosmetic enhancements to the defense against a serious felony charge. The ongoing legal case against Dr. Brown is a stark reminder of the gravity of medical negligence and the profound consequences it can have. The community of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze continues to follow the developments closely as the case moves through the court system, seeking justice for Hillary Ellington Brown. The outcome of the criminal trial will not only determine Dr. Brown's future but will also serve as a high-profile case study on accountability within the private practice of plastic surgery.