Staff member at Massachusetts school dies after 14-year-old student allegedly kicked her in the chest
By Tim Nazzaro, John Atwater, Todd Kazakiewich
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SWANSEA, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A school’s staff member died after an assault involving a 14-year-old student at a residential therapeutic school for youths and young adults Wednesday night in Swansea, Massachusetts, officials said.
Amy Morrell, 53, of Riverside, Rhode Island, was kicked in the chest by the teen while trying to restrain her just before 7 p.m. at Meadowridge Academy, officials said.
Morrell collapsed to the floor, and staff immediately began CPR and called 911. Emergency medical services transported Morrell to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon.
The teen was allegedly trying to leave a dorm building without permission, officials said.
“This will be very fact-intensive. First of all, what were the circumstances around this? And, secondly, it will also depend on what the coroner says. What is the medical examiner going to say is the cause of death? Because the charge — as alleged — indicates, you know, no specific intent, obviously, and although we know that people can die from one punch or one kick, it doesn’t happen that often. And so, until we know more of the facts, we can’t really say if there will be upgraded charges,” legal analyst Martha Coakley said.
The teen was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III’s office. She was arraigned in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday morning.
“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. So, that child’s life is probably ruined. Her life is gone. It’s just a tragic situation,” family friend Andrew Ferruche said.
A spokesperson from Meadowridge Academy offered the following statement about the tragedy:
“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 investigation remains ongoing, and no further information was immediately available.
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