Amy Morrell dies in fatal Swansea assault
Fatal Swansea assault death of Amy Morrell, 53
A direct-care staff member at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea, Massachusetts, has died following an alleged physical attack by a student. According to reports from ABC News, WCVB-5, and The New York Times, Amy Morrell, who was 53 years old and from the state of Rhode Island, is the victim of an incident that occurred on Wednesday, October 15.
The victim was employed as a direct-care staff member at Meadowridge Academy, a therapeutic residential institution located in the rural community of Swansea. This academy provides care for students aged 12 to 21 who require support due to cognitive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or medical vulnerabilities.
Neither PEOPLE nor Meadowridge Academy received an immediate response from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. The school’s website provides details about its comprehensive services for students with varying abilities. According to The New York Times, citing Bristol County district attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, shortly after being assaulted, the victim collapsed.
Other staff members provided emergency assistance by initiating CPR and contacting emergency services. Medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased the following day, Thursday, October 16.
The juvenile student involved has been formally charged with a serious assault causing significant harm. A court appearance was documented in the Fall River Juvenile Court on the day following the incident.
Jennie Dunkley, an advocate dedicated to the well-being of special education students and their families, expressed hope to WCVB-5 that this tragic event would lead to increased attention and improved resources for individuals with special needs.
