Authorities in Massachusetts say a staff member at a residential school died following an altercation with a 14-year-old female student on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, a town of roughly 17,000 residents in the southern part of the state, as reported by The Blaze.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the confrontation began when the student attempted to leave her dorm without permission.
When staff members intervened to stop her from leaving, the situation escalated. During the altercation, the student allegedly kicked 53-year-old staff member Amy Morrell in the chest.
OMG…😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪
School Staffer Dies After Getting Kicked In Chest By Student
Amy Morrell, 53, a native of Rhode Island, was assaulted by the 14-year-old inside the dorms of Meadowridge Academy, a residential therapeutic school in Swansea for youth facing mental health… pic.twitter.com/Kmt7xFbpck
— Denise (@Likeshesays) October 18, 2025
Shortly after being struck, Morrell collapsed. Emergency personnel responded and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she died the following day.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed her death and the charge filed against the student, who has been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
The student was arraigned on Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court. Her name has not been released due to her age.
In a statement released by the school, administrators expressed sorrow over the loss of their staff member. “The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member Amy Morrell,” the statement read.
“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.”
A family friend of Morrell, identified as Andrew Ferruche, spoke to WCVB-TV about the incident, describing it as a devastating event for everyone involved.
“It’s a horrible accident. You get in a horrible fight, you don’t think you’re going to hit someone and they’re going to die right there — especially if you’re a kid,” Ferruche said. “So that child’s life is probably ruined. Her life is gone. It’s just a tragic situation. She did tell me she loved what she was doing.”
Meadowridge Academy is described as a therapeutic residential school serving youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Officials have not released further details about what led up to the altercation or whether additional disciplinary measures are being considered.
Local and state investigators continue to review the case as the school community mourns the loss of a longtime staff member.
Bring back mental institutions – they worked better.