A tragic incident unfolded at a school in Massachusetts, resulting in the death of a school employee who was reportedly kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old student. The victim, identified as Amy Morrell, 53, from Rhode Island, was a staff member at Meadowridge Academy, a school catering to students with learning disabilities and medical fragility. The school, located in rural Swansea, serves students between the ages of 12 to 21 with varying levels of cognitive functioning.
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According to reports from ABC News, WCVB-5, and The New York Times, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 15, when Morrell was allegedly kicked in the chest by the teenage student. Despite efforts by other school employees to intervene and prevent the student from leaving her dorm without permission, Morrell tragically collapsed after being struck. Responding staff immediately administered CPS (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and contacted emergency services.
Following the incident, Morrell was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Thursday, October 16. The 14-year-old student has since been charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury in connection with Morrell’s death. The teen appeared in Fall River Juvenile Court for arraignment, as reported by The New York Times.
The school community, along with advocates for special education, have been left deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Amy Morrell. Jennie DunKley, a special education advocate, highlighted the importance of implementing strategies to prevent such incidents and ensuring the well-being of individuals with special needs. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Morrell’s death continues, with authorities yet to provide further details on the case.
The Meadowridge Academy, in partnership with the Justice Resource Institute, expressed profound sadness at the passing of Amy Morrell in a statement provided to The Times. The incident has sparked conversations about the safety and care of individuals with special needs, urging for preventative measures to avoid escalation and potential harm within educational settings.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated school employee, questions arise about ensuring the protection and welfare of staff and students in educational environments. The tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for all individuals, particularly those with unique needs and vulnerabilities. The ongoing investigation seeks to shed light on the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.