A Massachusetts college employees member died after a 14-year-old scholar kicked her within the chest whereas she tried to cease the coed from leaving the constructing with out permission.
Amy Morrell, 53, was assaulted by the teenage lady on Wednesday at round 6:55 p.m. contained in the dorms of Meadowridge Academy — a residential therapeutic college for youth and younger adults in Swansea, NBC Boston reported, citing fees introduced by the Bristol County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
Morrell and one other employees member tried to cease the juvenile from leaving the dorms when the confrontation escalated into violence.
Whereas they tried restraining the lady, Morrell was kicked within the chest and collapsed to the bottom, prosecutors stated.
The 53-year-old Rhode Island native was taken to a close-by hospital, the place she had been admitted in important situation. She was pronounced lifeless the next afternoon, the outlet reported.
A reason for dying has not but been decided.
The coed — whose identify has not been launched — was charged with assault and battery, inflicting critical bodily damage in Fall River Juvenile Courtroom on Thursday, prosecutors stated.
The investigation stays lively and ongoing.
Meadowridge Academy — a residential care college for youth dealing with psychological well being and behavioral challenges about 50 miles exterior Boston — stated it’s “deeply saddened” by Morrell’s dying.
“The Meadowridge Academy group is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care employees member, Amy Morrell. We lengthen our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s household throughout this tough time,” a spokesperson for the college advised NBC Boston.
“Help companies and assets can be found to help college students and employees as we grieve this tragic loss.”
The varsity gives complete look after younger adults — ages 12 to 21 — coping with psychological well being, behavioral, and trauma-related difficulties, in line with its web site. It operates beneath the Justice Useful resource Institute, which oversees greater than a dozen colleges and academic packages.
An in depth household pal who grew up with Morrell and regarded her a relative stated he was left in shock when he discovered of the tragedy.
“It by no means crossed my thoughts. By no means considered it. I couldn’t imagine it after I bought the decision as we speak,” Andrew Ferruche advised WCVB.
The shut pal referred to as it a “tragic state of affairs” throughout.
“You get in a battle, you don’t assume you’re going to hit someone they usually’re going to die proper there – particularly in the event you’re a child,” he stated.
“That baby’s life might be ruined. Her life is gone. It’s only a tragic state of affairs.”
He added that Morrell beloved her job and located goal in her work on the college.
Tina Lombardi, one other pal, described Morrell as “an important mom, grandmother, and above all, an important pal” in a touching Fb submit.
“I like you and might’t imagine your life has been reduce quick. You’ll at all times be a giant a part of my life,” Lombardi wrote.