Colorado Plastic Surgeon Facing Manslaughter Charges for Death of 18-Year-Old

Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, faces multiple charges, including manslaughter after a botched surgery resulted in an 18-year-old’s death 14 months later. 

Kim turned himself in this week in Arapahoe County in Colorado after an arrest warrant was issued. He faces several charges such as felony negligent homicide, reckless manslaughter, and misdemeanor obstruction of service. 

He was supposed to perform a breast augmentation surgery on 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen in August 2019. However, the teen went into cardiac arrest after being under anesthesia by nurse Rex Meeker. She was left brain-dead and was unable to speak. She died 14 months later. 

Investigators say Kim admitted he didn’t call 911 for at least five hours before her death. 

According to CBS Denver, Nguyen’s family filed a civil suit against Kim and Meeker in December 2019. However, the doctor and nurse settled on paying $1 million each. 

Apparently, the investigation continued for more than two years and needed multiple investigations and search warrants. Nurse Meeker faces felony reckless manslaughter and will turn himself in soon. 

Arapahoe County Sheriff Office Travis Stewart says, “Our hope is that this will be the beginning of bringing justice and a sense of closure to Emmalyn’s family.”

Criminal defense attorney, Lou Shapiro, says the allegations towards Kim are “disturbing.”

“The more a doctor deviates from the norm, the more likely he will be prosecuted. The last high-profile case we saw where that occurred was Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s doctor. That was proven to be egregiously dangerous treatment.”

Kim’s medical license was suspended.

Lynn Fam, Nguyen’s mother, says, “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.” 

The New York Post reports the family is still searching for answers regarding Emmalyn’s death. Before the devastating tragedy, Kim had raving reviews on his WebMD page from former patients.