(WBZ/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) - A staff member at Meadowridge Academy in Massachusetts died after allegedly being kicked in the chest by a 14-year-old student.
The Bristol County District Attorney's office reported that the 53-year-old Morrell collapsed, received CPR, and was rushed to the hospital, where she died on Thursday.
Mel Lynch, a former colleague, expressed disbelief and concern over the incident, questioning the placement of the student in such a setting.
He described Morrell's death as "a real loss, a loss for that school, a loss for us and I think of her parents.".
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reported that Meadowridge staff restrained students 23 times in the 2023-24 school year, with no injuries resulting.
However, a 2018 Disability Law Center investigation revealed over 140 police incidents at the school between 2014 and 2016, including numerous runaways and assaults.
A spokesperson for the school expressed deep sadness over Morrell's passing and stated that support services are available to assist students and staff as they grieve. »