CHARLESTON, W.Va. — On Wednesday, the Attorney General announced that two employees from a long-term care facility in northern West Virginia face charges related to the fatal incident of a patient who suffered severe burns after being left in a hot bathtub nearly a year ago.
Registered nurse Delilah Clyburn-Hill and certified nursing assistant Kylah Beard have both been accused of felony neglect of an incapacitated adult, as outlined in a statement by the Attorney General’s office.
The patient, Larry Hedrick, aged 61 and nonverbal, required constant care due to his condition. On January 4, 2024, he was immersed in water heated to 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) for a duration of 47 minutes at Hopemont Hospital, a facility with 98 beds located in Terra Alta, Preston County. Tragically, Hedrick passed away a week later at a hospital in Pittsburgh, according to the report.
An investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit revealed that Beard assisted Hedrick into the bathtub but neglected to verify the water temperature beforehand. As a result, Hedrick endured second and third-degree burns on his feet and legs, leading to extensive blistering.
Furthermore, investigators found that Clyburn-Hill was informed about Hedrick’s injuries, yet she allegedly did not take necessary actions to provide adequate treatment or therapy for his burns. This included failing to administer appropriate pain relief.
It remains unclear if either Clyburn-Hill or Beard has secured legal counsel to represent them regarding these allegations. Attempts to reach Clyburn-Hill were unsuccessful as a message left at her listed number has not received a response. Beard could also not be contacted, as no active phone number for her could be located.
The criminal charges were sanctioned by Preston County Prosecutor Jay Shay. Both Clyburn-Hill and Beard are set for an initial court appearance in Preston County Magistrate Court on January 29.
The Attorney General, soon to be sworn in as governor next week, remarked on the case, expressing concern over the gravity of the situation. He emphasized the necessity of accountability for the tragic death of Larry Hedrick, stating that he was meant to receive care from qualified medical professionals.
