Brave 10-year-old impaled while protecting sister in plane crash
Young Andre “Trey” Howard III’s brave act has captured the nation's heart
A 10-year-old boy is being called a hero after shielding his younger sister from flying debris during a deadly plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. His courageous act likely saved her life.
On January 31, 2025, a medical transport plane carrying six people crashed near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, tragically killing everyone on board and one person on the ground. The crash left behind a devastating scene, but amid the tragedy, a young boy’s bravery has inspired people across the nation.
Trey and his family were near the crash site when the accident occurred. As flaming wreckage fell, witnesses say Trey instinctively jumped in front of his younger sister to shield her. His quick thinking protected her from serious harm, but he suffered a critical head injury in the process.
His father, Andre Howard Jr., recalled the heartbreaking moment when Trey woke up after emergency brain surgery. One of the first things he asked was, “Daddy, did I save my sister?” Despite his own injuries, his main concern was her safety, a moment that left his father in awe of his son’s selflessness.
A miraculous recovery
Doctors initially feared the worst due to the severity of Trey’s head injury. His survival seemed uncertain, but against all odds, he began to show signs of recovery. Medical professionals have described his progress as nothing short of miraculous.
His father expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received from friends, the local community, and even strangers who were touched by Trey’s story.
“Trey is a fighter,” Howard said, hopeful that his son will fully recover.
Community support and fundraising efforts
As Trey continues to heal, the community has rallied around his family. Soans Christian Academy, where he is a student, launched a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $186,000 so far, with donations pouring in from across the country.
People have left heartfelt messages for Trey, calling him a “real-life superhero” and expressing admiration for his bravery.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the plane crash. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft may have suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Officials are working to determine if the tragedy could have been prevented.
Trey’s courage has not gone unnoticed. Many are praising his heroic actions, and some are even calling for official recognition of his bravery. His story has touched people across the nation, reminding everyone of the incredible strength and selflessness that can be found in even the youngest heroes.
For now, Trey remains surrounded by his family, recovering step by step. His father remains hopeful that, in time, his son will return to the bright, energetic boy he was before the accident—forever remembered as a hero.
