A registered nurse and a certified nursing assistant from West Virginia are facing serious charges after the tragic death of a 68-year-old nonverbal man. The incident happened at Hopemont Hospital, a long-term care facility in Terra Alta, West Virginia.
According to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Larry Hedrick, who relied on around-the-clock care, was left in scalding hot bathwater for almost an hour. On January 4, 2024, CNA Kylah Beard reportedly helped Larry into the tub but failed to check the water temperature. The water was dangerously hot—measuring 134 degrees. Shockingly, Hedrick was left in the bath for 47 minutes. When staff finally removed him, he had suffered severe burns, including second- and third-degree burns and blisters on his feet and legs.
The situation only got worse. Prosecutors say that RN Delilah Clayburn-Hill, who learned about Hedrick’s injuries, didn’t provide any treatment. She also failed to give him any pain relief for his burns. Afterward, Larry was rushed to the West Penn Hospital Nursing-Burn Trauma Unit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he passed away from his injuries on January 13, 2024.
Attorney General and Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey described the case as deeply disturbing, emphasizing the need for accountability. Investigators are looking closely at everyone involved in Hedrick’s care, including other staff members who might have violated state laws.
Hedrick’s caregivers, Beard and Clayburn-Hill, have been charged with felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver. Both are scheduled to appear in court on January 29. The Preston County Prosecutor’s Office will handle the case.
Larry Hedrick’s life story is heartbreaking. He was one of 13 siblings and worked for a tree service company and a Perdue Chicken plant before becoming disabled and moving to Ohio. His obituary described him as someone who enjoyed working on cars, building model cars, hunting, and spending time outdoors.
Hopemont Hospital, where the incident occurred, is a facility for geriatric patients. It has a long history, initially serving tuberculosis patients before transitioning to a nursing home in the late 1980s. This tragedy has cast a shadow over its mission to care for vulnerable patients.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring justice for Larry Hedrick and his family.