Residential facility staff member died after being kicked by resident
What is known about an incident that led to the death of a care giver?
Amy Morrell, who worked with children and youths at a residential school named Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts, died 15 October 2025 from injuries suffered durning her attempt to keep a 14-year-old resident from leaving the premises without permission. Ms. Morrell was 53 years old.
According to media reports, Ms. Morrell was among staff members who attempted to prevent the unnamed young woman from leaving the facility; the resident kicked Ms. Morrell in the chest and she died the next day in a hospital. It is not clear whether the kick occurred as the young woman was flailing about or as a direct strike at Ms. Morrell. However, the young woman was charged with assault and battery in Fall River Juvenile Court.
Reports indicate that immediately following the incident fellow staff members tried to help Ms. Morrell and summoned emergency assistance. She was transported to a hospital where she died the next day.
Meadowridge Academy is operated by Justice Resource Institute, a 501 (c) (3) that maintains scores of programs ranging from in-home behavioral supports to residential facilities and serves individuals with needs ranging from acute medical support to mental health and psychiatric difficulties. There are programs for young children through adults.
We can expect that there will be follow along reports about the history of incidents at the facility and discussions about restraint. One of the reporters—Ann Meiler—listed in the following links provided a starter about what such analyses might reveal.
These events must have been wrenching for the other staff members and children. It is sad that Ms. Morrell has passed, of course; she apparently had a dedicated herself to working with children and youths. The young woman who kicked Ms. Morrell, whether she is or is not found guilty of perpetrating a crime, will always carry the knowledge that something she did led to the death of another human being. And every other person who witnessed he events will have to live with having seen teh consequences of violence.
Read reports from:
Anna Meiler on 17 October 2025 for CBS News Boston; “Staff member at Swansea, Massachusetts school dies after allegedly being kicked by student'“
AP News 17 October 2025 “Staff member dies after being kicked at a Massachusetts residential school; teen charged”
Meredith Deliso 17 October 2025 for ABC News: “School staffer dies following alleged assault by 14-year-old student in Massachusetts: DA: Amy Morrell, 53, was a staff member at Meadowridge Academy”
Frank O’Laughlin 17 October 2025 for Boston 25 News: “Staff member at Massachusetts school dies after being kicked by student, DA says”
Christine Hauser 17 October 2025 for the New York Times: “Massachusetts School Employee Dies After Trying to Restrain Student: The student, 14, has been charged with assault.”