A 53-year-old female staff worker at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea has died after she was kicked by a teenage resident, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn. Meadowridge Academy is a residential, therapeutic school for youth and young adults.
On Wednesday at approximately 6:55 p.m., Quinn said a 14-year-old female school resident was attempting to leave a dorm building without permission, and got into a physical altercation with Amy Morrell, of Riverside, RI.
Quinn said Morell was kicked in the chest by the resident as she and other staff tried to restrain the teenager. Shortly after Morrell was struck, she collapsed.
Swansea EMS took Morrell to a local hospital, where she remained overnight. She was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon.
In a statement, Meadowridge Academy wrote, “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 14-year-old is charged with Assault and Battery causing Serious Bodily Injury and was arraigned this morning in Fall River Juvenile Court.
Swansea police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office are investigating.
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