A 10-year-old boy who shielded his little sister from flying debris during a plane crash in Philadelphia is recovering after undergoing emergency brain surgery. Trey Howard was critically injured when a Learjet 55 crashed near Roosevelt Mall, sending wreckage flying in all directions.
Trey was in the car with his father and two siblings when the jet came down. His father, Andre Howard Jr., described the terrifying moment as feeling like a missile strike, with metal and fire everywhere.
Realizing the danger, Trey quickly covered his sister, protecting her from the flying debris. His father turned around to see a piece of metal lodged in the boy’s head. With the help of a bystander, he used socks and a shirt to slow the bleeding until a police officer rushed Trey to the hospital.
Doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia performed emergency surgery, warning the family that his chances of survival were slim. But Trey defied the odds, waking up to ask, “Daddy, did I save my sister?” His father, filled with emotion, assured him that he had.
The crash killed seven people, including all four crew members and two passengers on the medical transport flight. A man in a passing vehicle was also killed, while 24 others were injured. Authorities have said the number of casualties may change as the investigation continues.
Trey, an Eagles fan, was relieved to learn he hadn’t missed the Super Bowl. His spirits were lifted further when 76ers player Tyrese Maxey visited him in the hospital. His family remains by his side as he continues to recover.
