Massachusetts School Staff Member Dies After Being Kicked by 14-Year-Old Student
SWANSEA, MASSACHUSETTS — A tragic incident at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea has left a community in mourning after a 53-year-old staff member, Amy Morrell, died from injuries sustained when she was kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old student.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Morrell was attempting to restrain the student from leaving the school’s dormitory without permission when the assault occurred. The staff member collapsed shortly after the incident, and colleagues performed CPR until emergency responders arrived. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Incident Under Investigation
Authorities said the altercation took place Thursday evening and that the student involved has been charged with assault and battery causing serious injury. Due to her age, the student’s identity has not been released.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Meadowridge Academy expressed “deep sadness and heartbreak” over Morrell’s death, saying that grief counselors and support services have been made available for students and staff members.
The school, which serves children and teens with emotional and behavioral challenges, has previously faced scrutiny over its handling of student incidents.
According to state education records, Meadowridge staff used physical restraints 23 times during the 2023–2024 school year, though no injuries were reported in those cases. However, a 2018 investigation by the Disability Law Center found more than 140 police incidents between 2014 and 2016, including reports of assaults and runaway students.
Community Mourns a Beloved Educator
Friends, colleagues, and family members described Morrell as kind-hearted, humorous, and deeply dedicated to her work with troubled youth.
“She’s extremely funny. She made us all laugh. She’s very kind — the life of the party,” said Andrew Ferruche, a family friend and godson to Morrell’s parents. “My job is helping kids with troubles so it’s pretty rewarding,” he read from one of Morrell’s final text messages.
Former colleague Mel Lynch voiced both sorrow and frustration, questioning how the student was placed in a setting with other vulnerable youth. “How did this happen? If this girl was that violent, what was she doing in that setting with other kids?” Lynch said. “This is a real loss — for the school, for us, and for her parents.”
Broader Questions About Safety and Oversight
The tragedy has renewed concerns about safety protocols and staff support within specialized education facilities in Massachusetts. Meadowridge Academy, overseen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, serves students with complex behavioral needs — often requiring staff to balance compassion with crisis management.
Advocates say the system is strained and underfunded, leaving employees like Morrell vulnerable in high-stress situations.
A Life Cut Short
While the community continues to mourn, friends of Morrell are calling for accountability and reflection.
“Amy’s already gone. You can’t fix that,” Ferruche said. “This girl ruined her life. I don’t know what her consequences will be, but the whole thing could have been avoided.”
The incident remains under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and state education officials.
Readers are encouraged to share condolences and reflections about the importance of supporting educators in challenging roles at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
