A tragic incident in South Carolina has resulted in the death of a 17-year-old diabetic girl under the care of Shirl Lee Sweeny, who has been charged with unlawful conduct towards a child. The girl, diagnosed with diabetes in June 2021, failed to attend follow-up appointments despite being advised by medical staff that she needed insulin. Sweeny, as the girl’s guardian, neglected to take her to medical appointments and failed to administer her insulin for over a year. This led to the teen being admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure in September 2021, where it was made clear to Sweeny that the girl taking her insulin was not optional.
On August 12, 2022, the teen began vomiting, a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis, but was not taken to the hospital despite medical advice. The next day, Sweeny called 911 after finding the girl on the bathroom floor, expressing regret over allowing her to drink a milkshake and acknowledging that she shouldn’t have had it. The girl was rushed to the hospital with excessive weight loss and high blood glucose levels, but unfortunately, she later passed away. Her cause of death was listed as hyperosmolar ketoacidosis due to diabetes, and classified as a homicide.
Authorities have charged Sweeny with the teen’s death, alleging that she placed the girl at an unreasonable risk of harm, jeopardizing her life, physical health, and safety. The case highlights the grave consequences of neglecting medical care for a person with diabetes, especially a minor, and the importance of following medical advice and treatment regimens to manage the condition effectively. Sweeny’s failure to prioritize the girl’s health and well-being in overseeing her medical needs ultimately led to the tragic outcome, underscoring the severity of the charges brought against her.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role guardians and caregivers play in ensuring the health and safety of those under their care, particularly vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes. Neglecting medical appointments, failing to administer necessary medications, and disregarding medical advice can have dire consequences for individuals with diabetes, as evidenced by the tragic outcome in this case. The teen’s untimely death underscores the importance of proactive and responsible caregiving in managing chronic illnesses and the potential legal repercussions of negligence in providing adequate care.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s investigation into the matter revealed a pattern of neglect and disregard for the girl’s medical needs on Sweeny’s part, resulting in the filing of charges related to the teen’s death. By failing to adhere to medical recommendations and ensuring the girl received necessary treatment, Sweeny contributed to the circumstances leading to her death, according to authorities. The case underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities caregivers have in safeguarding the well-being of those under their supervision, particularly in cases involving individuals with complex health conditions that require ongoing medical attention.
In response to the tragic incident, there may be calls for greater accountability and oversight in cases where caregivers are entrusted with the health and welfare of vulnerable individuals. Ensuring that caregivers receive adequate training, support, and guidance in managing the medical needs of those under their care can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. By raising awareness of the importance of diligent and responsible caregiving practices, authorities can work towards preventing instances of neglect and ensuring the holistic well-being of individuals with chronic illnesses under the care of guardians and caregivers. The case serves as a cautionary tale of the devastating consequences that can result from neglect and underscores the necessity of upholding the duty of care towards vulnerable individuals in society.
