N※N

Florida Surgeon Charged with Manslaughter in Patient Death

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. -charged-with-manslaughter-in-patient-death.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 10:26 GMT by NY Post
      Locales: Missouri, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Fort Lauderdale, FL - February 27, 2026 - Dr. Michael McKee, a Florida surgeon already under investigation for a history of alleged surgical errors and a chaotic work environment, now faces a manslaughter charge following the death of 61-year-old Jaclyn Frey during a bariatric surgery in August 2023. The new charge, culpable negligence causing death, significantly escalates the legal pressure on McKee, raising questions about patient safety and surgical oversight within the Florida healthcare system.

The announcement of the charge comes as scrutiny intensifies over McKee's practices, which have been described by former colleagues as dangerously rushed and dismissive of standard safety protocols. McKee, 58, had already been facing multiple lawsuits and a Florida Department of Health investigation prior to Frey's death, with accusations ranging from inadequate post-operative care to performing an astonishing number of surgeries in short periods - reports surfaced alleging over 80 procedures performed in a single weekend.

The charging documents detail allegations that McKee's haste directly contributed to the complications that led to Frey's death. Investigators claim he "disregarded standard surgical procedures and precautions," and crucially, "failed to properly address warning signs" indicating Frey's condition was rapidly deteriorating during the weight-loss operation. These allegations paint a picture of a surgeon prioritizing speed over meticulous patient care, a potentially fatal combination.

Dr. Geno Corazza, who previously worked alongside McKee, corroborated the claims of a frenetic pace. "He was definitely a whirlwind," Corazza stated. "He did move quickly. I think that's something that a lot of the staff picked up on. I think it's a challenge to be able to keep up with that pace." While Corazza does not explicitly accuse McKee of negligence, his description suggests a work environment where maintaining careful surgical standards may have been compromised by the sheer volume of patients.

This isn't an isolated incident. McKee is concurrently facing charges in Broward County alleging he caused permanent injury to at least six other patients. The similarities across these cases - a pattern of allegedly rushed surgeries and compromised patient outcomes - are fueling demands for a broader investigation into the practices at the facilities where McKee operated. Legal experts suggest that if a consistent pattern of negligence can be established, the charges against McKee could potentially expand, and the healthcare facilities themselves could face liability.

McKee's attorney vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting his client's innocence and claiming Frey's death was unrelated to his actions. The defense is likely to argue that complications in bariatric surgery are inherent risks, and that McKee followed accepted medical protocols. However, prosecutors will likely focus on demonstrating a direct link between McKee's alleged disregard for standard procedures and the fatal outcome.

The case highlights growing concerns about the pressures faced by surgeons in increasingly competitive healthcare environments. The incentive to maximize patient throughput, particularly in elective procedures like bariatric surgery, can potentially incentivize shortcuts and compromise patient safety. The Florida Department of Health is facing calls to review its oversight mechanisms to ensure surgeons are adequately monitored and held accountable for maintaining acceptable standards of care.

The arraignment for the new manslaughter charge is scheduled for next week, where McKee will formally enter a plea. The outcome of this case will likely have significant repercussions for the medical community, potentially setting a precedent for holding surgeons accountable for alleged negligence leading to patient death. Furthermore, the investigation will likely shine a light on the systemic factors that may contribute to unsafe surgical practices and the crucial need for robust patient safety measures.