Swansea, Massachusetts, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The tragic death of a staff member at Meadowridge Academy, following an assault by a 14-year-old student, has sparked serious concerns about student staff safety. Amy Morrell, a dedicated educator, collapsed after being kicked in the chest during an altercation at the school, leading to her eventual passing. The ongoing investigation by authorities, including the Swansea Police, aims to reveal more about the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event and ensure student safety in the future.
Swansea, Massachusetts – The tragic death of Amy Morrell, a 53-year-old staff member at Meadowridge Academy, has raised concerns following her assault by a 14-year-old student. The incident took place on a Wednesday evening, around 6:55 p.m., when the teenager attempted to leave her dorm without permission.
During the altercation, the student reportedly kicked Morrell in the chest as staff attempted to restrain her. Morrell collapsed, and staff members began administering CPR before calling 911. She was transported to a local hospital where she remained in critical condition overnight before being pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is currently handling the case and has yet to determine the official cause of death. The 14-year-old girl involved has been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and was arraigned Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court.
Meadowridge Academy is a residential therapeutic school that serves youths aged 12 to 21 who are dealing with behavioral, mental health, or trauma-related challenges. The school is operated by the Justice Resource Institute.
A spokesperson from Meadowridge Academy expressed deep sadness over Morrell’s passing, extending condolences to her family and offering support services for both students and staff. Friends and family members described Morrell as someone deeply committed to her job and who loved working with the students.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities including the Swansea Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit involved. This is not the first time Meadowridge Academy has faced scrutiny; the facility was previously investigated for incidents of abuse and neglect between 2014 and 2016. However, a report by the Disability Law Center indicated that extensive corrective actions have since been implemented.
Details of the Incident
- Date and time of incident: Wednesday at approximately 6:55 p.m.
- Victim: Amy Morrell, 53 years old
- Assailant: 14-year-old student
- Charges: Assault and battery causing serious bodily injury
- Response: CPR was administered; 911 was called
- Status of Morrell: Pronounced dead Thursday afternoon
About Meadowridge Academy
Meadowridge Academy specializes in therapeutic support for adolescents facing various challenges. While the institution has faced challenges in the past, it is currently under the administration of the Justice Resource Institute, striving to offer better care and educational support for its students.
The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Morrell’s tragic death and to ensure the safety of both staff and students at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was the staff member that died?
Amy Morrell, a 53-year-old staff member at Meadowridge Academy.
What led to Amy Morrell’s death?
She died following an assault by a 14-year-old student who kicked her in the chest during an altercation.
What charges have been filed against the student?
The student has been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
What is Meadowridge Academy?
Meadowridge Academy is a residential therapeutic school serving youths ages 12 to 21 with behavioral, mental health, or trauma-related challenges.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Wednesday |
| Time of Incident | 6:55 p.m. |
| Victim’s Age | 53 years old |
| Assailant’s Age | 14 years old |
| Cause of Death Status | Under investigation |
| Charges Filed | Assault and battery causing serious bodily injury |
| Investigation Involvement | Swansea Police and Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Assault
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: Swansea mass school staff incident
- WCVB
- Google Scholar: Meadowridge Academy
- Herald News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meadowridge Academy
- New York Times
- Google News: Meadowridge Academy
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
