Friends of Amy Morrell say the 53-year-old woman loved her job at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts. The residential therapeutic school specializes in the treatment of mental health issues, behavioral difficulties, and complex trauma histories of adolescents and young adults. When Morrell arrived at work on October 15, 2025, she had no idea that was the last time she’d walk through the doors.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, a 14-year-old female student allegedly tried to leave a dorm without permission just before 7 p.m., NBC Boston reported. Morrell and other staff members tried to restrain the student but she reportedly kicked Morrell in the chest. Morrell collapsed suddenly after the kick. The staff called 911 for help and attempted CPR while they waited.
Emergency responders took Morrell to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she succumbed to her injuries the following morning. One of Morrell’s friends told NBC Boston she was an extraordinary person and loved working at Meadowridge Academy.
“She’s not just your average, everyday person. She went the distance with her friends,” Andrew Ferruche explained to the outlet.
Morrell was upbeat and happy in the final text message she sent him. It made Ferruche emotional.
“She said, ‘Being kind to other people definitely makes me feel better about myself.’ And then she said, ‘My job is helping kids with troubles, so it’s pretty rewarding,'” Ferruche read.
“She loved those girls,” friend Mel Lynch told CBS News.
Lynch added that many will feel the effects of Morrell’s death.
“A real loss. A loss for that school, a loss for us, and I think of her parents,” she said, per CBS News.
Ferruche told CBS News the student reportedly attacked staff often at Meadowridge Academy.
“How many staff members have been hit in the last two weeks alone? That should be the question asked of them,” Ferruche said. “And I guarantee it has been multiple people who have been hit by this same girl.”
“If this girl was that violent, what was she doing in that setting with other kids?” Lynch questioned.
Meadowridge Academy shared a statement obtained by CBS News. “The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member, Amy Morrell,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time. Support services and resources are available to assist students and staff as we grieve this tragic loss.”
The unidentified suspect faces charges of assault and battery, causing serious bodily injury. The investigation into Morrell’s death remains active.
