A tragic incident unfolded at a Massachusetts school when a 53-year-old staff member lost her life after an altercation with a 14-year-old student. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office reported that the incident took place in a dormitory.

The office informed Fox News Digital that the event occurred on Wednesday at 6:55 p.m. The young student attempted to exit the dormitory at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts, without receiving permission to do so.

During the intervention by staff, including 53-year-old Amy Morrell, the student allegedly delivered a kick to Morrell’s chest.

Following the incident, Morrell collapsed. Colleagues immediately administered CPR and contacted emergency services. She was rushed to a hospital by Swansea EMS and remained in critical condition overnight. Sadly, Morrell was pronounced dead the next afternoon. The official cause of death has yet to be determined.

Amy Morrell, a dedicated staff member of Meadowridge Academy, tragically passed away after the reported altercation. Her death has left the community in mourning. (Amy Morrell / Facebook)

The unidentified 14-year-old student was charged with assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and arraigned Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court. The investigation is being handled by Swansea Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County DA’s office.

According to Meadowridge Academy, the school is a residential therapeutic school in Swansea serving youths ages 12 to 21 with behavioral, mental health or trauma-related challenges. It’s located about 50 miles south of Boston.

The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is investigating Amy Morrell’s death. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

In earlier years, Meadowridge garnered scrutiny in a report by the Disability Law Center, which found substantiated incidents of abuse and neglect between 2014 and 2016. However, the report concluded that the school had taken extensive corrective actions, such as increasing surveillance video placement, revising reporting protocols and enhancing staff training.

A spokesperson for Meadowridge Academy told Fox News Digital the community is “deeply saddened” by Morrell’s passing, and that support services are being made available for both students and staff.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time,” they said.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III speaks during a media event held on July 22, 2025, at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.  (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Friends and family described Morrell as deeply committed to her role, someone who “loved her job.”

“It never crossed my mind. Never thought of it. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call today,” Andrew Ferruche told WCVB-TV.