Bristol County DA identifies staff member at Swansea school who died after assault by student

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III has announced the death of a 53-year-old female staff worker of Meadowridge Academy located at 664 Stevens Road in Swansea, MA.

Meadowridge Academy is a residential therapeutic school for youth and young adults.

On Wednesday, at just before 7:00 p.m., a physical interaction occurred between a 14-year-old female school resident, who was attempting to leave a dorm building without permission, and staff.

During this incident, staff member, 53-year-old Amy Morrell of Riverside, RI, was kicked in the chest by the juvenile as Morrell and other staff attempted to restrain her. Shortly after being struck, the victim collapsed. Staff began CPR and called 911. Swansea EMS transported the victim to a local hospital. Swansea Police along with the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office responded.

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.

Morrell, who remained hospitalized overnight, was pronounced deceased this afternoon.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.