Tragic Incident at Massachusetts School
A tragic event unfolded in a Massachusetts school, where a 53-year-old employee passed away after being kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old student. This incident happened when the staff member attempted to stop the student from leaving the building without permission.
The victim, Amy Morrell, was attacked in a dormitory at Meadowridge Academy—a therapeutic boarding school located in Swansea—around 6:55 PM on a Wednesday evening. Details from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Morrell and another staff member tried to intervene when the situation escalated.
During the attempt to restrain the girl, Morrell was struck in the chest and subsequently fell to the ground, according to prosecutors.
Morrell, who hailed from Rhode Island, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she remained in critical condition. Sadly, she was pronounced dead the following afternoon.
The exact cause of death hasn’t been publicly disclosed yet.
The teenager involved, whose identity remains confidential, faced charges of assault and battery resulting in serious injury in a Fall River Juvenile Court.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Meadowridge Academy, situated about 80 miles outside of Boston, expressed its deep sorrow over Morrell’s passing. A spokesperson remarked, “We extend our deepest sympathies to Amy’s family during this difficult time.” The school is providing support services for both students and staff affected by this tragic loss.
The institution offers extensive care for youth aged 12 to 21 who are confronting mental health and behavioral challenges. It operates under the Justice Resource Institute, which oversees multiple educational programs.
A close friend of Morrell’s, Andrew Felouch, mentioned he was taken aback by the news, stating, “I never thought about it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today.” He described the situation as devastating.
Felouch further noted, “If you get into a fight, you don’t expect to hit someone and have it end in death, especially when it involves a child.” He reflected on the impact the incident would have on the young girl, saying, “That child’s life is probably ruined. It’s just a tragic situation.”
Another friend, Tina Lombardi, shared heartfelt memories of Morrell, calling her “a great mother, grandmother, and most importantly, a great friend.” She expressed her grief in emotional terms, emphasizing, “I can’t believe your life was cut short. You will always be a big part of my life.”
