Tragedy struck at a Massachusetts school when a staff member tragically passed away following an alleged assault by a teenage student. The incident unfolded at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, where 53-year-old Amy Morrell was reportedly involved in an altercation with a 14-year-old girl.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the confrontation took place on Wednesday evening around 6:55 p.m. The teenager attempted to leave a dormitory building without authorization, leading to the fatal encounter.
As Morrell tried to restrain the student, she was allegedly kicked in the chest, a blow that ultimately proved fatal. The impact caused Morrell to collapse almost immediately after the incident.
In the wake of the attack, school staff acted quickly, administering CPR and promptly calling emergency services for assistance. Despite their efforts, the situation ended in a heartbreaking loss for the school community.
The staffer collapsed shortly after the girl delivered the kick.
School staff immediately began CPR and called 911.
Morrell was rushed to a local hospital overnight and pronounced dead Thursday afternoon, the Bristol County District Attorney’s office said.
Amy Morrell, 53, died after being kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old girl at Meadowridge Academy
Morrell was rushed to a local hospital overnight and pronounced dead Thursday afternoon
Andrew Ferruche, a family friend who considered Morrell a relative, told WCVB: ‘It never crossed my mind. Never thought of it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today.’
He described her death as a ‘horrible accident.’
Ferruche said: ‘You get in a fight, you don’t think you’re going to hit somebody and they’re going to die right there – especially if you’re a kid.
‘That child’s life is probably ruined. [Morrell’s] life is gone. It’s just a tragic situation.’
A public social media profile for Morrell said she lived in Riverside, Rhode Island, and had completed her education at the University of Maine.
The teenage girl, who has not been identified, was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
She was arraigned Thursday morning in Fall River Juvenile Court.
Meadowridge Academy is a ‘comprehensive therapeutic residential school’ in Swansea, Massachusetts.
The school provides ‘comprehensive treatment’ to young adults with mental health issues and behavioral difficulties
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office charged the teen with with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury
Meadowridge Academy is located in Swansea, Massachusetts, about 50 miles south of Boston
The school provides ‘comprehensive treatment’ to young adults with mental health issues, behavioral difficulties and complex trauma histories, according to its website.
Enrollment data published by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said Meadowridge Academy had 35 total students for the 2024-25 school year.
The institution is operated by the Justice Resource Institute, a Massachusetts nonprofit that aims ‘to pursue the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity.’
Morrell worked at the school as a direct care staff member.
Swansea is about 50 miles south of Boston and 15 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island.
The school said, per NBC Boston: ‘The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member, Amy Morrell.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time.
‘Support services and resources are available to assist students and staff as we grieve this tragic loss.’
The Daily Mail reached out to Meadowridge Academy and the Justice Resource Institute for further comment.
The police investigation is ongoing.
