Amy Morrell Obituary, Death – Authorities in Swansea, Massachusetts, are investigating a tragic incident at a residential therapeutic school that resulted in the death of a staff member and led to criminal charges against a 14-year-old student. According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the event took place on Wednesday evening at Meadowridge Academy, a private facility that provides educational and therapeutic support for youth and young adults with emotional and behavioral needs.
Preliminary reports indicate that a 14-year-old girl was attempting to leave a dormitory area without authorization when the situation escalated. During the encounter, staff members, including 53-year-old Amy Morrell, intervened to stop the student from leaving. Investigators say that during the struggle, the student reportedly kicked Morrell in the chest, causing her to collapse shortly afterward.
Colleagues immediately rushed to provide assistance. Staff on site began performing CPR and called 911 for emergency medical support. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and transported Morrell to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite efforts by medical professionals, she was pronounced deceased the following day, Thursday, due to complications from her injuries.
Law enforcement officials have since confirmed that the 14-year-old has been charged with assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury. Given the student’s age, her identity has not been made public, in accordance with state laws protecting minors involved in criminal proceedings.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Swansea Police Department are conducting a joint investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including what led to the physical confrontation and whether proper safety protocols were followed. Detectives have been interviewing witnesses, reviewing facility surveillance footage, and consulting with medical experts as part of their inquiry.
Authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges will be considered pending the results of the investigation. The student remains in custody and is expected to appear in juvenile court, where proceedings will be closed to the public due to her age.
In a statement released by Meadowridge Academy, administrators expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a valued staff member. The statement described Amy Morrell as a compassionate professional who dedicated her career to helping young people overcome challenges and achieve stability. “We are devastated by this tragedy and are focused on supporting our students, staff, and Amy’s family during this difficult time,” the school said.
Grief counselors have been made available for both staff and students, and the school community is working closely with local mental health professionals to ensure emotional support for everyone affected.
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, which oversees residential facilities like Meadowridge, is also reviewing the situation to determine whether any policy or procedural changes are needed. Officials emphasized that incidents of this nature are extremely rare but acknowledged the high-stress environment that can sometimes accompany therapeutic and residential care settings.
Community members have expressed sympathy for Morrell’s family and colleagues, recognizing her long-standing commitment to education and youth advocacy. Many have shared messages of condolence on social media, highlighting her patience, kindness, and dedication to her students.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together a clear timeline of events and determine what led to the tragic outcome. Law enforcement officials have asked for privacy for both families involved, noting that the case involves sensitive circumstances and a juvenile defendant.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office stated that additional details will be released once investigators complete their findings. In the meantime, both the school and the community are mourning the loss of Amy Morrell, whose dedication and compassion left a lasting impact on those she served.
