Pensacola Surgeon Dies in Florida Prison While Serving Eight-Year Sentence for S*xual Battery

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A 55-year-old Pensacola surgeon, who was serving an eight-year prison sentence for s*xual battery, has died while in custody at a Florida correctional facility, according to state officials.

The Florida Department of Corrections confirmed that Francis Herrbold, a former physician at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola, died Monday at the Walton Correctional Institution. Officials said the cause of death has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

Cause of Death Under Review by Medical Examiner

In a statement released to WEAR News, the Department of Corrections said the district medical examiner will determine Herrbold’s cause of death, as required for all inmate fatalities.

“The district Medical Examiner is responsible for determining the cause of death for any person who dies in a prison,” the department said. “Once the official report is complete, it will be listed on the Department’s Inmate Mortality website.”

Herrbold had been incarcerated since August 11, following his sentencing in July 2024. Officials noted that no foul play has been confirmed at this time.

Conviction and Sentencing Background

Herrbold’s conviction stemmed from a June 2023 incident involving a woman aboard a yacht docked at the Sandestin Marina in Florida. Court records show he was found guilty in April 2024 in Walton County Circuit Court on a s*xual battery charge, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence.

He had worked as a surgeon at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola before being suspended in early 2024 when the allegations surfaced.
The hospital confirmed to local media that Herrbold was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Medical and Professional History Prior to Conviction

Before his arrest, Herrbold had maintained a reputable medical career in Pensacola and surrounding areas, specializing in general surgery. However, his reputation collapsed following his arrest in 2023, when he was accused of assaulting a woman aboard her private yacht.

The allegations led to the revocation of his hospital privileges, and the Florida Department of Health initiated proceedings to suspend his medical license following his conviction earlier this year.

Death Adds Another Layer to Controversial Case

Herrbold’s death marks the latest development in a case that drew significant attention across Florida’s medical and legal communities due to the contrast between his professional background and the nature of his crimes.

As of now, officials have not released any indication of whether the death was natural, accidental, or otherwise. Once the medical examiner completes their autopsy, the findings will be made public through state channels.

Community and Hospital Response

Local healthcare workers expressed mixed reactions following the news, with some emphasizing the need for accountability while others voiced concerns over transparency in prison deaths.
The Florida Department of Corrections has stated it will “cooperate fully with the medical examiner’s investigation” and will release additional details once available.

Herrbold’s name has since been added to the state’s Inmate Mortality Database, where causes of death are published following official confirmation.

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