School employee dies after student, 14, ‘kicked her in the chest’
A member of staff at a therapeutic residential school in the US has died after a teenage student allegedly kicked her in the chest.
Officials claimed that Amy Morrell, 53, collapsed after being struck by a 14-year-old girl during the shocking incident on Wednesday (15 October).
Chaos erupted at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts, after the teen reportedly attempted to leave her dorm without permission just before 7pm.
The school caters to 'young adults with mental health issues, behavioural difficulties, and complex trauma histories', according to the Justice Resource Institute.
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It offers 'comprehensive treatment' to students between the ages of 12 and 21.
Morrell and other staff members had attempted to restrain the female youngster as she attempted to leave her dorm, according to reports.
The teen is then alleged to have kicked the direct care staffer in the chest.
Morrell's colleagues promptly began performing CPR after she collapsed, and she was then rushed to hospital, but tragically, she was pronounced dead the following day.
The 53-year-old's official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Police have since charged the unnamed student with assault and battery, and causing serious injury.
"Based upon the initial investigation, the juvenile was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and was arraigned this morning in the Fall River Juvenile Court," the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement to CBS Boston.
A spokesperson for the school where Morrell was employed said it was 'deeply saddened' by her death in a statement shared earlier this week.
It said, as per The Independent: "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."
A family friend of Morrell described the fatal incident as a 'horrible accident' when speaking of his grief to local news outlet 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," Andrew Ferruche said.
"So, that child's life is probably ruined. Her life is gone. It's just a tragic situation."
Jennie DunKley, an advocate for special education students and their families, also told the outlet that the devastating incident shines a light on the importance of 'implementing meaningful strategies and tools that prevent escalation'.
"The best way to prevent restraint and seclusion is to not have a reason to even consider it," she said.
The investigation into Morrell's untimely death remains ongoing, officials said.
LADbible has contacted the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and The Meadowridge Academy for further comment.
Olivia Burke