An investigation is underway as family and friends mourn the sudden death of a Massachusetts school staff member who collapsed and died during a physical altercation with a teenage student.
Wednesday, according to the Bristol District Attorney’s Office.
School staff were trying to restrain a 14-year-old girl who was trying to leave her dorm room without permission when Amy Morrell, a 53-year-old staff member, was kicked in the chest, the district attorney’s office said.
Morrell, of Riverside, Rhode Island, collapsed after being hit and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon.
A family friend shared photos of Morrell with Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes on Friday. Loved ones say they are still processing Morrell’s immense loss.
Amy Morrell
“She’s just been part of the family,” said Andrew Ferruche, a family friend. “When I needed her most, she was always there.”
He said those closest to Morrell knew her by her maiden name, Blanchette.
“She’s just a great person and also very, very funny.”
The student, whose name has not been released due to her age, was arraigned Thursday in Fall River Juvenile Court on a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury.
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, Meadowridge Academy called Morrell’s death a “tragic loss” for the school community.
“The Meadowridge Academy community is deeply saddened by the passing of direct care staff member Amy Morrell,” a school spokesperson told Boston 25. “We extend our deepest condolences to Amy’s family during this difficult time. Support services and resources are available to assist students and staff as we mourn this tragic loss.”
Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office are assisting Swansea police with the investigation.
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