Tragic Incident: School Employee Dies After Being Kicked in the Chest by 14-Year-Old Student
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of Swansea, Massachusetts, after a beloved school employee died following a violent incident involving a 14-year-old student.
Amy Morrell, 53, of Riverside, Rhode Island, was identified as the victim of the fatal assault that occurred on Wednesday, October 15, according to reports from ABC News, WCVB-5, and The New York Times.
Dedicated Caregiver at Meadowridge Academy
Morrell worked as a direct care staff member at Meadowridge Academy, a therapeutic residential school serving students ages 12 to 21 with learning disabilities, cognitive challenges, and medical fragility.
The school, located in rural Swansea, describes itself as a supportive environment for students with “low to high cognitive functioning” who require individualized care and education.
“The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member, Amy Morrell,” said the Justice Resource Institute, which partners with the school.
The Incident
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the altercation occurred Wednesday evening as staff members attempted to prevent a student from leaving her dormitory without permission.
During the struggle, authorities say the 14-year-old student kicked Morrell in the chest, causing her to collapse moments later.
“Shortly after being struck, the victim collapsed,” said District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.
Staff members immediately began administering CPR and called 911.
Paramedics arrived soon after and transported Morrell to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Thursday, October 16.
The Investigation and Charges
The juvenile suspect has been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in connection with Morrell’s death, according to The New York Times.
She was arraigned in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) — correction: the DA’s Office continues to lead the investigation with local authorities to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
As of now, no additional details about the student or prior incidents have been released, due to juvenile privacy laws.
Calls for Reform and Reflection
The incident has reignited conversations about safety, training, and resources in special education environments.
Jennie DunKley, an advocate for special education students and their families, told WCVB-5 that the tragedy underscores the urgent need for more preventive strategies.
“We must focus on meaningful tools that prevent escalation,” she said. “The best way to avoid restraint or seclusion is to ensure there’s no need for it in the first place.”
Parents and educators across Massachusetts are now calling for better support systems for both staff and students in therapeutic schools — to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for vulnerable children.
Remembering Amy Morrell
Friends and colleagues describe Amy Morrell as compassionate, patient, and deeply devoted to the young people she worked with every day.
Her loss has left an immeasurable void in the Meadowridge Academy community and beyond.
“She truly cared about her students,” one colleague wrote on social media. “Amy was kind, calm, and always put the children’s needs first. This loss is beyond heartbreaking.”
As the investigation continues, the community of Swansea is coming together to honor Amy’s memory and support her family during this unimaginable time.
Rest in Peace, Amy Morrell (1971–2024)
A life dedicated to compassion and service — gone too soon.
