Tragic School Incident: Staff Member Dies After Alleged Student Assault

A tragic incident unfolded in a Massachusetts school, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old staff member after being struck by a 14-year-old student. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office reported that this unfortunate event occurred on Thursday within a dormitory setting.

According to details shared with Fox News Digital, the incident took place at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts. Around 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday, a young student attempted to exit her dormitory without authorization, prompting intervention from staff members, including Amy Morrell.

During the attempt to restrain the student, she allegedly kicked Morrell in the chest. The impact caused Morrell to collapse, leading staff members to immediately administer CPR and contact emergency services. She was swiftly taken to a hospital by Swansea EMS, but sadly, she remained in critical condition overnight and was pronounced dead the following afternoon. The specific cause of death has yet to be determined.

Amy Morrell, who was an integral part of the Meadowridge Academy team, succumbed to injuries after the altercation with the teen. (Image: Amy Morrell / Facebook)

The student, whose identity remains undisclosed, faces charges of assault and battery resulting in serious bodily harm. She appeared in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Swansea Police in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit associated with the Bristol County DA’s office.

The unidentified 14-year-old student was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and arraigned Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court. The investigation is being handled by Swansea Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County DA’s office.

According to Meadowridge Academy, the school is a residential therapeutic school in Swansea serving youths ages 12 to 21 with behavioral, mental health or trauma-related challenges. It’s located about 50 miles south of Boston.

The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is investigating Amy Morrell’s death. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

In earlier years, Meadowridge garnered scrutiny in a report by the Disability Law Center, which found substantiated incidents of abuse and neglect between 2014 and 2016. However, the report concluded that the school had taken extensive corrective actions, such as increasing surveillance video placement, revising reporting protocols and enhancing staff training.

A spokesperson for Meadowridge Academy told Fox News Digital the community is “deeply saddened” by Morrell’s passing, and that support services are being made available for both students and staff.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time,” they said.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III speaks during a media event held on July 22, 2025, at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.  (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Friends and family described Morrell as deeply committed to her role, someone who “loved her job.”

“It never crossed my mind. Never thought of it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today,” Andrew Ferruche told WCVB-TV.