Prosecutors said that the famous plastic surgeon and an anesthetist are now facing manslaughter charges in the death of 18-year-old woman. The victim was reportedly their patient who died 14 months after her botched surgery. The surgeon and the anesthetist waited 5 hours before they called 911. By this time, the patient was left brain-dead and was unable to speak or walk. Unfortunately, she died 14 months later.
The 52-year-old doctor from Colorado, Dr. Geoffrey Kim, turned himself in to officials Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to the court documents, the 52-year-old doctor is expected to face several charges, including felony negligent homicide, reckless manslaughter and misdemeanor obstruction of service.
The 52-year-old surgeon was supposed to perform a breast augmentation surgery on the 18-year-old victim, Emmalyn Nguyen, on Aug. 1, 2019. The teen girl reportedly went into cardiac arrest after she was placed under anesthesia by nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker.
The surgeon and the anesthetist waited 5 hours before they called 911. By this time, the patient was left brain-dead and was unable to speak or walk. Unfortunately, she died 14 months later.
Authorities said the 52-year-old doctor had an obligation to call for emergency help and get the patient to a hospital. They released the following statement:
‘The investigation has taken more than two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants. Our hope is that this will be the beginning of bringing justice and a sense of closure to Emmalyn’s family.’
A warrant also has been issued for Meeker’s arrest, according to reports.
The victim’s family also filed a civil suit against Kim and Meeker in December 2019, and the disgraced doctor and nurse settled and agreed to pay $1 million each, according to reports. The Colorado Medical Board also suspended Kim’s medical license.
Nguyen’s mother, Lynn, reportedly said: “We’re all still very devastated and grieving over the loss of our beautiful Emmalyn. It’s still so very surreal. This settlement or any amount of money could never replace her. All we really want is for Emmalyn to be with us healthy and happy again.
It’s just crazy how these medical staff could get away with this and none of us still not knowing the truth about what really happened when Emmalyn was in the OR. How could they let that happen to her? Our lives will never be the same again and our hearts will never be at peace. It’s so difficult losing a child under the hands of someone you thought knew what they’re doing.”