A young boy who risked his life to protect his sister during a devastating plane crash in Philadelphia is recovering after undergoing emergency brain surgery. Trey Howard, 10, was struck by debris when a Learjet 55 crashed near Roosevelt Mall, but his first concern after waking up was for his sister’s safety.
Trey and his siblings were in the car with their father, Andre Howard Jr., when the aircraft came down, sending metal flying through the air. Andre described the crash as sounding like an explosion, with burning wreckage scattered across the area.
In the critical moment before impact, Trey instinctively pulled his sister close and told her to get down, shielding her from the flying debris. His father turned around to find a piece of metal lodged in the boy’s head. Acting quickly, he and another bystander used socks and a shirt to stop the bleeding before a police officer rushed Trey to the hospital.
Doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia performed emergency brain surgery, warning the family that Trey’s survival was uncertain. However, when he regained consciousness, his first words were, “Daddy, did I save my sister?” His father, overwhelmed with emotion, assured him that he had.
Authorities confirmed that seven people lost their lives in the crash, including four crew members and two passengers on the medical transport flight. A man in a passing vehicle was also killed, while 24 others suffered injuries.
Trey, a devoted Eagles fan, was also relieved to learn that he hadn’t missed the Super Bowl. His spirits were further lifted when 76ers star Tyrese Maxey visited him at the hospital, as he continues his recovery surrounded by family and well-wishers.
