A Massachusetts school staffer has died after allegedly being kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old student.
Local authorities said Amy Morrell, 53, was attacked by the teenage girl on Wednesday evening at Meadowridge Academy, a boarding school less than an hour away from Boston.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the altercation occurred when the staff member caught the student attempting to leave her dormitory without permission at around 6.55pm.
Ms Morrell was believed to be restraining the 14-year-old girl when she was allegedly fatally kicked the school worker in the chest.
Local authorities said Amy Morrell was attacked by the teenage girl on Wednesday evening at Meadowridge Academy
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MEADOWRIDGE ACADEMY
Shortly after being dealt the blow, the 53-year old collapsed and her colleagues were forced to administer CPR.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s office confirmed that Ms Morrell was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead the following afternoon.
A family friend of the school worker, Andrew Ferruche, described the ordeal to WCVB as a “horrible accident”.
He said: “It never crossed my mind. Never thought of it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today.
The teenager was arrested and charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury (file photo)
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GETTY
“You get in a fight, you don’t think you’re going to hit somebody and they’re going to die right there – especially if you’re a kid.
“That child’s life is probably ruined. [Morrell’s] life is gone. It’s just a tragic situation.”
The teenager, who has not yet been named by the authorities, was arrested and charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
She is due to appear at Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday.
The teenager is due to appear at Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday
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Meadowridge Academy describes itself as a “therapeutic residential school providing comprehensive treatment to youth and young adults with mental health issues, behavioural difficulties, and complex trauma histories.”
Its website adds: “We use the evidence-based treatment model, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), to help students build positive relationships and self-regulation skills, and transform their individual interests into sources of strengths, resiliency, and success.
“Our students attend school on campus, year-round, and have a full day of academic and vocational training.”
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the school had 35 students enrolled for the last academic year.
In response to the tragedy, the school said: “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.”
Local authorities are still carrying out investigations into the incident.
