There’s grief in Swansea, Massachusetts, where a school is mourning the death of a staff member who died hours after being assaulted by a student, who is now facing a serious charge.
A spokesperson for Meadowridge Academy released a statement Thursday saying they are deeply saddened by what happened to their direct care staff member, Amy Morrell.
The 53-year-old, from Riverside, Rhode Island, died Thursday after being hospitalized overnight following the altercation at the residential school, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The teenage girl, whose name has not been shared by officials, was trying to leave her dorm without permission around 6:55 p.m. Wednesday when she got into a struggle with staff members, including Morrell, who were trying to restrain her. The 14-year-old allegedly kicked Morrell in the chest, causing her to collapse.
Staff began CPR, and Morrell was rushed to a local hospital, where she died Thursday morning, prosecutors said.
A 14-year-old student trying to leave a school without permission in Swansea kicked a staffer in the chest, and she died the next day, officials said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time,” Meadowridge’s spokesperson said in its statement. “Support services and resources are available to assist students and staff as we grieve this tragic loss.”
Meadowridge Academy offers residential treatment to youth and young adults with mental health, behavioral and trauma issues, according to its website. It’s one of more than a dozen schools and other educational programs run by the Justice Resource Institute.
The girl involved in this incident was arraigned in Fall River Juvenile Court on Thursday on a charge of assault and battery causing serious injury. Officials have not released any more details, including about the teen’s hearing, or when Morrell’s cause and manner of death will be announced.
Jeff Saperstone and Kaitlin McKinley Becker
Source link