A 10-year-old boy’s heroic act during a devastating plane crash in Philadelphia has captured the nation’s attention and admiration.
Quick Takes
- Andre Howard III, known as “Trey,” shielded his sister from falling debris during a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Trey underwent emergency brain surgery and is now in stable condition at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
- The medical transport plane crash resulted in at least 22 injuries and seven fatalities.
- Trey’s first words after surgery were, “Daddy, did I save my sister?”
- An ongoing investigation is analyzing the plane’s “blackbox” for crucial data.
A Young Hero’s Quick Thinking
In a moment of crisis, 10-year-old Andre Howard III, known as “Trey,” demonstrated extraordinary courage that likely saved his sister’s life. The Howard family’s routine trip for doughnuts turned into a nightmare when debris from a crashing medical transport plane began raining down on their neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. Trey’s instinctive reaction to protect his sister has earned him the title of hero, even as he now faces a challenging recovery.
Trey’s father, Andre Howard Jr., recounted the terrifying moments when the crash occurred. “It sounded like a missile was firing bullets, metal at my car, everyone else’s car,” he said. In the chaos, Trey’s quick thinking and selfless action stood out. He yelled “Get down!” and shielded his sister from the falling debris, taking the brunt of the impact himself.
A true hero.
10-year-old Trey Howard shielded his sister from falling debris in the Northeast Philly plane crash. After surgery, his first words were: “Daddy, did I save my sister?”
Wishing Trey a full and speedy recovery. All of Pennsylvania is behind you! https://t.co/dYFha5xiNy
— Stacy Garrity (@GarrityForPA) February 6, 2025
A Community in Shock
The plane crash has left the Philadelphia community reeling. The Learjet 55 air ambulance crashed, killing all six people on board – including the pilot, co-pilot, a doctor, a paramedic, a patient, and her mother. A seventh victim, Steven Dreuitt, was killed on the ground inside a vehicle. The tragedy has affected many, with 24 other people on the ground sustaining injuries.
“Daddy, did I save my sister?” – Trey Howard
These were Trey’s first words after waking up from emergency brain surgery, a testament to his selfless nature and concern for his sister’s well-being. The young hero’s actions have touched the hearts of many, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.
A Long Road to Recovery
Trey’s journey to recovery is just beginning. After being struck in the head by flying metal, he was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His father and another man attempted to stop the bleeding before a police officer transported them to the hospital. Initially, doctors warned that Trey might not survive, but he has been defying expectations and improving daily.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities analyzing the plane’s “blackbox” for crucial data. As the community grapples with this tragedy, Trey’s story of bravery serves as a reminder of the power of human resilience and the capacity for heroism in even the youngest among us.
In times of crisis, it’s often the actions of individuals like Trey that remind us of the strength of the human spirit. As Philadelphia mourns those lost in this tragic event, they also rally around a young hero whose quick thinking and selfless act saved a life and inspired a nation.
Sources:
- Hero boy, 10, hit with flying debris while protecting sister during Philly plane crash
- Boy who protected sister from plane crash debris is making ‘miraculous’ recovery
