In a shocking case of alleged negligence, two staff members at a long-term care facility in northern West Virginia have been charged following the death of a patient left in a scalding hot bathtub for nearly an hour. Registered nurse Delilah Clyburn-Hill and certified nursing assistant Kylah Beard have been accused of felony neglect of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver, according to a news release by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

The victim, Larry Hedrick, aged 61, was a nonverbal patient requiring constant care. On January 4, 2024, he was submerged in water heated to 134 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 56.7 degrees Celsius) for 47 minutes at Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Sadly, Hedrick succumbed to his injuries a week later at a hospital in Pittsburgh.

An investigation revealed that Beard had assisted Hedrick into the tub without checking the water’s temperature, resulting in severe second and third-degree burns across his legs and feet. Moreover, despite being informed of Hedrick's injuries, Clyburn-Hill allegedly failed to provide necessary treatment or pain management, which included administering medications.

Both Clyburn-Hill and Beard are set to make their initial appearances in Preston County Magistrate Court on January 29. Prosecutor Jay Shay has endorsed the charges. Morrisey, who is due to become governor soon, described the incident as a "very disturbing case," emphasizing the need for accountability for such a tragic loss of life. “Larry Hedrick was supposed to be under the care of medical professionals,” he stated, calling for seriousness in addressing the negligence involved in this case.

As the investigation progresses, the healthcare workers have not publicly commented on the charges, and it remains unclear if they have legal representation capable of addressing these issues. Further updates can be expected as the court proceeding approaches.

For more details, see the full report by AP News and HuffPost.