'Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?': 10-Year-Old Hero Wakes Up After Philly Plane Crash

A 10-year-old boy who survived a devastating plane crash in northeast Philadelphia has become an unexpected hero. Trey Howard, who suffered a severe head injury while shielding his little sister from flying debris, woke up from emergency brain surgery with two urgent questions, asking if he saved his sister and if he missed the Super Bowl^®.

A Heroic Act in the Face of Disaster

On the evening of Jan. 31, Trey was out with his father and younger siblings picking up donuts when a medical jet plummeted from the sky near Roosevelt Mal. The Learjet 55, carrying six people — including a child returning home after medical treatment — crashed moments after takeoff, killing everyone on board and one person on the ground. The explosion sent shrapnel flying through the air, and Trey instinctively pushed his 4-year-old sister out of harm's way, taking the brunt of the impact himself.

His father, Andre Howard Jr., described the scene as terrifying, with debris striking vehicles and people scrambling for safety. As he tried to reverse the car, Trey told his sister to get down before being struck in the head by metal. His father used socks and a bystander's shirt to apply pressure to Trey's wounds until paramedics arrived.

Defying the Odds

Trey was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery. His family was told there was a strong chance he might not survive. However, he defied expectations and woke up.

"Daddy, did I save my sister?" Trey Howard asked his father, as reported by the Independent.

An avid Philadelphia Eagles^® fan, Try Howard also asked about the Super Bowl, "We didn't play yesterday did we?" he asked. "No, you didn't miss the Super Bowl," Andre Howard Jr., Trey's father recalled, as reported by the Independent.

Days later, Trey watched his Eagles win the Super Bowl in dominating fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs. The next week, star Eagles receiver A.J. Brown visited Trey and his family at the hospital.

A Community Rallies Behind a Young Hero

Trey's actions have gained attention across Philadelphia and beyond. Social media users have praised his bravery, with many calling on the Philadelphia Eagles to recognize his heroism.

Philadelphia 76ers^® player Tyrese Maxey visited Trey in the hospital, bringing further excitement to the young fan. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and family-related costs, raising over $60,000.

Investigations Into the Crash Continue

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The plane, en route to Missouri before heading to its final destination in Tijuana, Mexico, lost contact with air traffic control moments after takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board recovered the black box, reportedly found buried eight feet underground.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that at least 22 people were injured. Officials are still assessing the full impact on families in the area.

Looking Toward Recovery

Trey faces a long recovery, but his spirit remains strong. His father shared that the support from the community has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

While Trey continues to heal, his actions on that fateful day saved his sister's life. He has become a symbol of courage in the city of Philadelphia.

References: Boy, 10, injured by Philly plane crash wakes up to ask about sibling and Super Bowl: 'Daddy, did I save my sister?' | Philadelphia plane crash: What we know so far as Learjet air ambulance comes down in huge explosion near mall | Eagles; AJ Brown visits young fan at hospital after Super Bowl win