Dianne Clark Obituary, Death – Authorities in Charleston County, South Carolina, have filed charges against two individuals following the passing of a 76-year-old woman whose health reportedly declined under their care. According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, the woman’s son, Kevin Carl Clark, 40, and Victoria Delaune, 33, have both been charged in connection with the neglect of a vulnerable adult that resulted in her death.
The case centers on Dianne Clark, the mother of Kevin Clark, who was found unresponsive in her home on July 29. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene after receiving a call for assistance, but she was later pronounced deceased by paramedics.
Investigators said that when they entered the home, they discovered the woman in very poor living conditions. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lexi Douglas noted that the space was unclean and appeared to have been left unattended for a long period of time. The report stated that the woman’s hygiene and health needs had not been properly managed, and she appeared to have been living in an environment that was unsafe for someone of her condition and age.
Authorities allege that both Kevin Clark and Delaune were responsible for providing care to Dianne Clark. However, their failure to ensure that she received proper hygiene, nutrition, and medical attention is believed to have contributed to her deteriorating health. Deputies said that the neglect resulted in a serious infection that ultimately led to her death.
An autopsy later confirmed that Dianne Clark died from sepsis, a severe infection, which developed as a result of osteomyelitis, an infection affecting the bones or bone marrow. Medical examiners also found that she suffered from an advanced pressure ulcer on her lower back, which became severely infected. The condition was worsened by exposure to unclean conditions, which further complicated her already fragile health.
In their report, deputies indicated that medical neglect had been ongoing for some time. They found that Dianne Clark’s prescription medications had not been refilled since September 2024, suggesting that she may not have been receiving the treatments prescribed for her ongoing health concerns.
Officials said the home environment reflected a pattern of prolonged neglect. In addition to the poor sanitation, investigators noted that the space had insect activity and visible contamination, which raised serious concerns about the quality of care being provided. Such findings, they said, were consistent with an environment that could contribute to infection or illness if not properly managed.
Deputies believe that Dianne Clark had been dependent on her son and Delaune for day-to-day support, given her age and health conditions. Their failure to meet her basic needs reportedly placed her at significant risk, leading to the tragic outcome.
After completing their investigation, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office charged both individuals with neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death. Authorities said that both Kevin Clark and Victoria Delaune were taken into custody and booked into the Charleston County Jail.
The case highlights the importance of responsible caregiving for elderly or dependent adults, especially those with ongoing medical needs. Law enforcement officials emphasized that family members or caregivers have a legal and moral responsibility to provide proper attention, ensure a clean and safe living environment, and seek medical help when necessary.
The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released details about upcoming court proceedings or whether additional charges may be filed. However, investigators stated that their findings clearly showed a prolonged lack of care that directly contributed to the decline in Dianne Clark’s health.
Authorities said they hope the case serves as a reminder of the importance of checking on elderly relatives and ensuring they are receiving proper care, particularly when they rely heavily on others for daily support. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to review all available evidence surrounding the circumstances of her passing.
