A staff member at a Massachusetts residential therapeutic school reportedly died Thursday after being allegedly kicked in the chest by a teenage student, authorities said, in an incident that has renewed concerns about safety at facilities serving violent and emotionally disturbed youths.
Amy Morrell, 53, was working at Meadowridge Academy in Mendon on Wednesday evening when she reportedly tried to restrain a student who was attempting to leave a dormitory without permission. According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, a physical altercation broke out around 6:55 p.m., during which the teen allegedly kicked Morrell in the chest.
Morrell collapsed moments later, officials said. Staff members immediately called 911 and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived.
She was transported to a nearby hospital but died the following day, WCVB reported. The medical examiner’s office has not yet released the official cause and manner of death.
The teen, whose name has not been released due to her age, has been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. She was arraigned Thursday in juvenile court, according to prosecutors.
In a statement, Meadowridge Academy expressed grief over the loss of a longtime staff member known for her dedication to the students she served. “The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member, Amy Morrell,” a spokesperson said. “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.”
Morrell worked at the school, which describes itself as a “therapeutic residential school providing comprehensive treatment to youth and young adults with mental health issues, behavioral difficulties, and complex trauma histories.”
The facility serves residents between the ages of 12 and 21 — many of whom struggle with severe emotional and behavioral challenges that can sometimes lead to violent outbursts.
Andrew Ferruche, a family friend of Morrell’s, described her death as an unthinkable tragedy. “It’s a horrible accident,” Ferruche told WCVB. “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.”
Authorities have released few additional details about the teen involved, and no information has been made public regarding her history at the facility or whether law enforcement had previously been called to the school.
The investigation into Morrell’s death remains ongoing, officials said.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of therapeutic residential programs nationwide, many of which are struggling to balance treatment and safety as they serve young people with increasingly complex mental health and behavioral issues.
For the families of both Morrell and the unnamed student, the encounter at Meadowridge has become a devastating reminder of how quickly a crisis situation can turn fatal — leaving behind heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a community in mourning.
[READ MORE: Abrams-Founded New Georgia Project Collapses After Admitting to Illegal Campaigning]
