Nurse, CNA, Face Felony Charges After Non-Verbal Patient Dies From Scalding Hot Bath

Two healthcare workers at Hopemont Hospital in West Virginia have been charged with felony neglect resulting in the death of Larry Hedrick, a 61-year-old non-verbal patient who required around-the-clock care. The incident occurred on January 4, 2024, when Hedrick was left in a scalding hot bath for 47 minutes, leading to his death a week later.

Patient Left in Dangerously Hot Water for Nearly an Hour

On January 5, 2024, Hedrick was placed in a bath with water temperature reaching a dangerous 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Alarmingly, he was left in this scalding water for nearly an hour, resulting in severe second- and third-degree burns and blisters covering his body. Tragically, Hedrick succumbed to his injuries on January 12, 2024, about a week after the incident.

Following an investigation into the incident, two hospital workers have been charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver resulting in the incapacitated adult's death. The charges have been filed against:

• Kylah Beard, a certified nursing assistant from Morgantown
• Delilah Clayburn-Hill, a registered nurse from Buckhannon

According to the allegations, Beard failed to check the water temperature before placing Hedrick in the bath, a critical oversight that directly led to his injuries. Clayburn-Hill, on the other hand, is accused of failing to provide appropriate care after being informed of Hedrick's condition following the incident.

Ongoing Investigation and Potential for Further Charges

The West Virginia Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is continuing its investigation into the incident. They have indicated that other individuals whose actions may have violated criminal statutes could also face charges, even if they did not provide direct "hands-on" care to Hedrick. This suggests that the scope of responsibility in this case may extend beyond just the two staff members currently charged.

The case is described as "very disturbing" by Attorney General Morrisey, who emphasized the need for accountability in the care of vulnerable patients. Morrisey will be sworn in as West Virginia governor next week.

An initial court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2025, in Preston County Magistrate Court.

As this case unfolds, it may prompt healthcare facilities across the country to review and potentially strengthen their safety protocols, particularly those related to patient bathing and temperature monitoring. It may also lead to increased focus on training programs for staff working with non-verbal or otherwise vulnerable patients.

We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.