Boy Who Shielded Sister During Plane Crash Recovering After Emergency Surgery

A 10-year-old boy who shielded his younger sister from flying debris during a deadly plane crash near a Philadelphia mall is recovering after undergoing emergency brain surgery. Trey Howard, who suffered a severe head injury when the aircraft came down Friday night, is showing signs of improvement despite doctors warning he might not survive.

Howard was in the car with his father and two siblings when a Learjet 55 crashed near Roosevelt Mall. Witnesses described the impact as sounding like an explosion, with metal and debris flying through the air. His father, Andre Howard Jr., recalled the terrifying moment when his son instinctively pulled his sister down to protect her just before being struck.

“I turned around, and there was metal sticking out of my son’s head,” Howard said. He and a bystander used whatever they could find—including socks and a shirt—to slow the bleeding before police rushed the boy to the hospital.

After undergoing emergency brain surgery, Trey woke up and immediately asked about his sister’s safety. “Daddy, did I save my sister?” he asked, bringing his father to tears. Despite his injuries, he has remained in good spirits, even expressing excitement that he hadn’t missed the Super Bowl.

Authorities confirmed that seven people, including an 11-year-old girl, died in the crash. The victims included all four crew members of the medical transport flight and two passengers. Officials have stated that 24 people on the ground were also injured in the disaster.

Trey is now recovering at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he recently received a visit from 76ers star Tyrese Maxey. His family continues to express gratitude for the prayers and support they’ve received as their son defies the odds in his recovery.