Nursing Staff Charged in Patient's Death

Two nursing staff members, Kylah Beard and Delilah Clayburn-Hill, have been charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult resulting in death after the January 2024 death of 61-year-old patient Larry Hedrick at Hopemont Hospital in West Virginia. An investigation revealed that Beard left Hedrick in a scalding bath at 134 degrees Fahrenheit for 47 minutes, causing severe burns, while Clayburn-Hill failed to provide necessary medical treatment after being informed of his injuries. Hedrick, who was non-verbal and required around-the-clock care, ultimately died from his injuries a week later. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey emphasized the need for accountability in this disturbing case, which has raised questions about staff oversight in the facility. Both staff members are scheduled to appear in court on January 29, 2025, as further investigations continue into other potential lapses in care. The case has prompted scrutiny over the state’s vetting processes for caregivers in long-term facilities.