Elderly Woman Dies After Alleged Fire Ant Attack at South Carolina Care Facility

An 83-year-old woman with advanced Alzheimer's disease died after she was allegedly found covered in fire ants outside a South Carolina memory care facility, according to a lawsuit filed by her family.

Shelba Catterton was a resident at Harmony at West Ashley in Charleston. Her relatives claim that she left the facility through a door that had allegedly been left open by an employee. Hours later, she was reportedly discovered lying in an area containing fire ants and suffering from extensive bites and stings.

The lawsuit alleges that Catterton sustained more than 1,000 bites and stings across her body. Her family has accused the facility of negligence and wrongful death, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

What happened to Shelba Catterton?

According to the family's legal complaint, Catterton was nonverbal and living with advanced Alzheimer's dementia. Her condition meant she required assistance with daily activities and was considered at risk of wandering.

The lawsuit alleges that on the night of July 23, 2026, an employee left open a door leading to a secured courtyard. Catterton allegedly walked through the opening without being noticed and was subsequently left outside alone.

The complaint claims she was later found lying in an area containing fire ants. A staff member who discovered her reportedly called emergency services and described seeing numerous ants on Catterton's body.

The legal filing alleges that the elderly woman could not call for help or remove the insects because of her medical condition.

The family's lawsuit states that Catterton suffered bites and stings across her face, eyes, scalp, back, chest, arms, hands, legs and feet. Medical records referenced in the complaint reportedly documented numerous pustules associated with ant bites.

The Independent also reported that emergency medical records described Catterton as hypothermic when she arrived for treatment and that she required active external warming before being admitted to intensive care.

Family describes a devastating decline

Catterton's daughters have spoken publicly about the impact of the incident.

Her daughter Jan Buice told WCBD that she was horrified by what had happened to her mother. Another daughter, Sherri Lero, described watching her mother deteriorate from being able to walk to becoming seriously ill and struggling to breathe.

According to reports, Catterton remained in medical care after the attack. Her family alleges that the injuries and resulting medical complications contributed to her decline.

Catterton died on August 7, roughly two weeks after she was reportedly discovered outside the facility.

Her family's attorney, Nathan Hughey, has described the allegations as among the most serious elder abuse cases he has encountered. Those comments concern allegations contained in the family's case and should not be interpreted as a final legal finding.

Lawsuit alleges nursing home negligence

The Catterton family's lawsuit accuses Harmony at West Ashley of negligence, wrongful death and violations involving care requirements for people with Alzheimer's disease.

A central issue in the case is whether the facility provided adequate safeguards for a resident who was allegedly known to be at risk of wandering.

The lawsuit argues that residents with advanced dementia can be unable to recognize dangerous situations or find their way back to safety. The family therefore alleges that maintaining secure areas and monitoring residents were especially important in Catterton's case.

The family has also raised questions about how quickly the incident was reported and how the facility responded after Catterton was discovered.

These allegations have not yet been established in court. The case remains subject to the legal process, and the investigation into the circumstances of Catterton's death is continuing.

Harmony responds to the allegations

Harmony at West Ashley has acknowledged the family's loss but has declined to discuss the specific allegations because the matter is now in litigation.

A representative told WCBD that the company's thoughts and condolences were with Catterton's family and loved ones. The company also said it was committed to providing residents with care, compassion and respect.

Because the lawsuit is ongoing, the facility has not provided a detailed public response to each allegation.

That distinction is important. A lawsuit contains claims made by one side in a legal dispute. Allegations in a complaint are not the same as facts that have been proven in court.

Why fire ant attacks can be dangerous

Fire ant stings can cause painful reactions, and multiple stings may create serious medical complications, particularly for vulnerable people.

Most encounters with fire ants do not result in death. However, a large number of stings can cause significant physical trauma, and some people can experience severe allergic reactions.

In Catterton's case, the reported number of bites and stings was unusually high. Her advanced Alzheimer's disease also meant she was allegedly unable to respond normally to the danger or remove the insects herself.

The combination of prolonged exposure, extensive bites and her existing medical vulnerability is now a central part of the family's account of what happened.

Investigation remains ongoing

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Catterton's death. Reports indicate that law enforcement has been investigating the incident, while the family pursues its civil lawsuit.

The final legal outcome could depend on evidence including facility records, surveillance footage, medical documentation, witness statements and the findings of investigators.

At this stage, it is important not to assume that every allegation in the lawsuit has been proven. The court process and official investigations will determine what happened and whether anyone or any organization bears legal responsibility.

The case has nevertheless raised serious questions about safety procedures in memory care facilities, particularly for residents who may be vulnerable to wandering or unable to communicate distress.

For families choosing care for someone with dementia, secure environments, appropriate supervision and clear emergency procedures can be important considerations. The Catterton case highlights why those safeguards can matter when residents are unable to recognize or respond to hazards independently.

Catterton's death has left her family seeking answers while the legal and investigative processes continue. For now, the allegations remain allegations, and further findings may provide a clearer account of the events that led to her death.

Source: The Mirror US, with additional reporting from The Independent and Law&Crime.

Disclaimer: This article is a report based on publicly available reporting and allegations contained in a legal complaint. It does not establish that any person or organization committed wrongdoing. The lawsuit and investigations remain ongoing, and allegations have not necessarily been proven in court. Medical information is provided for general news context and should not be treated as medical or legal advice.