Trey Howard, the 10-year-old who shielded his little sister from a deadly plane crash in Philadelphia, is showing remarkable progress after emergency brain surgery. The young boy was severely injured by debris when a Learjet 55 crashed near Roosevelt Mall, but his quick thinking likely saved his sister’s life.
Trey was in the car with his father and siblings when the plane came down, sending metal and flames across the area. His father, Andre Howard Jr., described the impact as deafening, comparing it to a missile explosion.
In a split-second decision, Trey pulled his sister down to protect her just before he was struck in the head by wreckage. His father turned to see a large piece of metal embedded in the boy’s skull. Using socks and another man’s shirt, Andre and a bystander tried 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 he might not survive. Against the odds, Trey regained consciousness, and his first question was, “Daddy, did I save my sister?” His father, moved by his son’s selflessness, assured him that he had.
Seven people were killed in the crash, including four crew members, a mother and daughter traveling on the medical flight, and a man in a nearby vehicle. Authorities said at least 24 others suffered injuries in the disaster.
Trey’s spirits were lifted when 76ers player Tyrese Maxey visited him in the hospital. His family remains by his side as he continues to recover, grateful for the outpouring of support from their community.
