Two West Virginia hospital workers have been charged in connection with the death of a nonverbal patient who was left in a tub filled with scalding-hot water in early 2024.
Larry Hedrick, 61, a nonverbal man in need of constant care, was put into a tub of 134-degree water for 47 minutes at Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said Wednesday.
The Jan. 4, 2024 incident left Hedrick with second- and third-degree burns and blisters on his feet and legs. He was taken to a burn trauma unit in Pittsburgh but died on Jan. 12.
An investigation led by the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit determined that certified nursing assistant Kylah Beard helped Hedrick into the water without checking the temperature gauge. After Hedrick suffered his injuries, registered nurse Delilah Clyburn-Hill failed to take appropriate treatment steps, including the use of pain medication, Morrisey said.
Both were charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver resulting in the incapacitated adult’s death. Both are scheduled to appear in Preston County Magistrate Court later this month.
An investigation into other employees who were tasked with caring for Hedrick is ongoing and could lead to additional indictments.
“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 Morrisey, who will be sworn in as West Virginia’s governor next week.