KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Two former workers at the Hopemont Hospital in Preston County have been arraigned for malicious neglect of an incapacitated adult causing death. Kylah Beard, a certified nursing assistant from Morgantown and Delilah Clayburn-Hill, a regeistered nurse from Buckhannon face 5 to 15 years and a fine of up to $5,000 if convicted.

Their preliminary hearing is set for February 14.

An investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) said that on Jan. 4, 2024, Beard helped Larry Hedrick, 61, into a tub for a bath but failed to check the water temperature gauge. Hedrick, who required round-the-clock care, was left in the 134-degree water for 47 minutes.

Earlier this year, then Attorney General and now Governor Patrick Morrisey said, “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,” Morrisey said. “Our MFCU investigators and our office will assist Prosecutor Shay and his team in any way we can to make sure justice is served.”

Investigators said the lengthy exposure to the scalding hot water caused second and third-degree burns and blisters on the Hedrick’s feet and legs. Hedrick died at the West Penn Burn Unit in Pittsburgh eight days later.

 

Leave a Reply