A staff member at a Massachusetts school tragically passed away after a 14-year-old student kicked her in the chest during an attempt to prevent the student from leaving the premises without authorization.
The incident involving Amy Morrell, 53, occurred around 6:55 p.m. Wednesday within the dormitory of Meadowridge Academy, a residential therapeutic school for adolescents in Swansea, as reported by NBC Boston, citing information from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Morrell, alongside another staff member, intervened to stop the teenager from exiting the dorms when the situation escalated into violence.
As they worked to restrain the girl, Morrell was struck in the chest and fell to the ground, according to prosecutors.
The Rhode Island native was rushed to a local hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition; she was declared dead the following day, according to reports.
The exact cause of death is still under investigation.
The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been charged with assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury in Fall River Juvenile Court, as per the prosecutors’ statements.
The investigation is ongoing.
Meadowridge Academy, which provides residential care to youth grappling with mental health and behavioral issues approximately 50 miles from Boston, expressed deep sorrow over Morrell’s passing.
In a statement to NBC Boston, a spokesperson from the school said, “The Meadowridge Academy community is heartbroken over the loss of direct care staff member Amy Morrell. We extend our deepest sympathies to Amy’s family during this challenging period.”
Support services and resources are readily available for both students and staff to navigate this tragic loss.
The school caters to young adults aged 12 to 21 who are facing various mental health, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges, according to its website. It is operated under the Justice Resource Institute, which oversees numerous educational programs and schools.
A close friend of Morrell’s family, who had known her since childhood, expressed his shock upon hearing the news of her untimely death.
“It never occurred to me that something like this would happen. I couldn’t believe it when I received the call,” said Andrew Ferruche in an interview with WCVB.
He described the situation as devastating for all parties involved.
“When a fight breaks out, you don’t expect someone to get seriously hurt or worse—especially a child,” he remarked.
“That young girl’s life is now irrevocably altered. It’s just a heart-wrenching situation.”
Ferruche noted that Morrell was passionate about her role and found profound meaning in her work at the academy.
Another friend, Tina Lombardi, honored Morrell as “a wonderful mother, grandmother, and above all, a great friend,” in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“I love you and can’t believe your life has been cut short. You will always hold a significant place in my life,” Lombardi wrote.
