Photo: Amy Morrell/Facebook
A Massachusetts school staff member has died after being kicked in her chest by a student she tried to stop from leaving the building without permission, NBC Boston reports.
Amy Morrell, 53, a native of Rhode Island, was assaulted by the 14-year-old inside the dorms of Meadowridge Academy, a residential therapeutic school in Swansea for youth facing mental health and behavioral challenges, at around 6:55 p.m. when she and another staffer attempted to stop the girl from leaving the dorms, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. The student kicked Morrell in the chest while being restrained, which caused her to collapse to the floor, according to prosecutors.
Morrell was hospitalized in critical condition and pronounced dead the following afternoon, according to NBC Boston. An official cause of death hasn't yet been determined as of Friday (October 17) morning.
The student, whose name wasn't released publicly as she's a juvenile, was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, according to prosecutors. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member Amy Morrell. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the school said in a statement to NBC Boston. “Support services and resources are available to assist students and staff as we grieve this tragic loss.”