A 10-year-old boy who saved his younger sister’s life during a catastrophic plane crash is recovering after emergency brain surgery at a Philadelphia hospital. Trey Howard suffered a severe head injury when a medical transport jet crashed near Roosevelt Mall, sending metal and debris flying through the air.
Howard’s father, Andre Howard Jr., had been taking his children to get doughnuts Friday night when the jet came down. He described the impact as a deafening explosion, saying the debris hit vehicles as though “a missile was firing bullets” through the air.
In the moment of chaos, Trey instinctively grabbed his sister and shielded her from harm. His quick thinking likely saved her life, but he was critically injured in the process. “I turned around, and there was metal outside of his head,” his father recalled.
Doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia performed emergency brain surgery, warning the family that Trey’s condition was grave. However, he regained consciousness, and his first words were, “Daddy, did I save my sister?” His father, overwhelmed with emotion, reassured him that he had.
Authorities confirmed that seven people, including four crew members and two passengers from the Learjet 55, lost their lives in the crash. A Philadelphia man in a passing vehicle was also killed, and at least 24 others suffered injuries.
Trey, an avid Eagles fan, was relieved to learn that he hadn’t missed the Super Bowl. His spirits were lifted further when 76ers star Tyrese Maxey visited him in the hospital. His family remains by his side as he continues his recovery, thankful for the prayers and support they’ve received.
