Inset: Larry Hedrick (Tomblyn Funeral Home). Background: Hopemont Hospital (West Virginia Department of Health).
Two healthcare professionals from West Virginia, a registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant, are currently facing charges in connection with the death of a 68-year-old man. Allegedly, the man, who was nonverbal, was left unattended in a scalding hot bath for nearly an hour, leading to fatal consequences.
The certified nursing assistant, Kylah Beard, and the registered nurse, Delilah Clayburn-Hill, have been charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver. This legal action stems from an incident involving the victim, Larry Hedrick, who was under their care at Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, where he required continuous attention. On January 4, 2024, Beard reportedly assisted Hedrick into the bath without checking the water temperature, which was excessively high at 134 degrees. Tragically, he was left in the scalding water for 47 minutes.
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Following the ordeal, Hedrick was found to have sustained severe second- and third-degree burns as well as blisters on his lower extremities. Despite being made aware of the extent of his injuries, Clayburn-Hill allegedly neglected to provide him with necessary medical treatment, such as pain relief. Subsequently, Hedrick was transferred to West Penn Hospital Nursing-Burn Trauma Unit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on January 13, 2024.
The investigation so far has focused on people who have had “hands on” care with Hedrick but detectives are also looking other staff that may have violated state laws, the AG’s office said.
“This is a very disturbing case and there needs to be accountability for the horrific death of the victim, Mr. Larry Hedrick, who was supposed to be under the care of medical professionals,” said Attorney General and Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey.
Clayburn-Hill and Beard are slated to face a judge on Jan. 29. The Preston County Prosecutor’s Office will handle the case.
According to his obituary, Hedrick was one of 13 children. Hedrick worked for a tree service company and at a Perdue Chicken plant before moving to Ohio where he became disabled.
“He liked working on cars and building model cars, hunting and being outdoors,” the obituary read.
Hopemont Hospital is a long-term care facility for geriatric patients. It originally treated tuberculosis patients but transitioned to a long-term nursing facility in the late 1980s.
