What began as a normal evening at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts, ended in heartbreak when a staff member, 53-year-old Amy Morrell, lost her life after an unexpected altercation with a teenage student.
Authorities say the 14-year-old girl was trying to leave her dormitory without permission when Morrell attempted to intervene.
What followed was a brief but devastating struggle that resulted in tragedy.
The Fatal Encounter
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the incident unfolded around 6:55 p.m. on Wednesday.
Investigators believe Morrell was trying to restrain the student when the teenager allegedly kicked her in the chest, causing her to collapse moments later.
Other staff members rushed to her aid, performing CPR while calling 911.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Morrell to a nearby hospital, but despite overnight treatment, she was pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon.
Remembering Amy Morrell
Friends and loved ones describe Amy Morrell as a compassionate and dedicated woman who cared deeply for her students.
Andrew Ferruche, a close family friend who saw her as a relative, shared his disbelief with WCVB, saying, “It never crossed my mind. Never thought of it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today.”
He called the event a “horrible accident,” expressing empathy for both sides of the tragedy.
“You get in a fight, you don’t think someone’s going to die — especially if you’re a kid,” he said softly.
“That child’s life is probably ruined. Amy’s life is gone. It’s just a tragic situation.”
Public records show that Morrell lived in Riverside, Rhode Island, and earned her degree from the University of Maine.
At Meadowridge, she served as a direct care staff member, working closely with students facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
The Student and Legal Proceedings
The 14-year-old girl involved in the incident has not been publicly identified due to her age.
She was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and appeared in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday morning.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, as officials review security footage and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events.
About Meadowridge Academy
Meadowridge Academy describes itself as a “comprehensive therapeutic residential school” that provides specialized care for young people dealing with mental health challenges, behavioral issues, and trauma histories.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the school currently serves around 35 students for the 2024–25 academic year.
It operates under the Justice Resource Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social justice and equal opportunity.
The School’s Response
In a statement shared with NBC Boston, the school expressed deep sorrow over 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.”
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, both the Meadowridge Academy community and Morrell’s family are struggling to come to terms with an event that feels both sudden and senseless.
What began as a routine day at a school dedicated to healing ended with the loss of a beloved caregiver — and the unraveling of two young lives forever changed by one devastating moment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the next steps in the case, but the focus now rests on uncovering how such a tragedy could unfold in a place meant to provide safety, support, and hope.