In a remarkable display of brotherly love and quick thinking, 10-year-old Andre “Trey” Howard III became an unexpected hero during the tragic Philadelphia plane crash that shook the Northeast Philadelphia community on January 31. What started as a simple trip for doughnuts with his family turned into a life-changing moment when falling debris from a medical transport jet threatened the lives of those below.
Heroic actions during unexpected disaster
As debris from the crashing medical transport jet rained down near Roosevelt Mall, Trey’s protective instincts kicked in immediately. Without hesitation, he shielded his younger sister from the falling wreckage, sustaining a serious head injury in the process. His father, Andre Howard Jr., witnessed the selfless act, recounting, “My son tells his little sister, ‘Get down.’ And he grabs her, I hear the glass shatter. There’s a piece of metal sticking out of my son’s head from the plane.”
Critical medical response and community support
In the crucial moments following the incident, quick-thinking bystanders and medical professionals played vital roles in Trey’s survival. Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, though not typically equipped for pediatric trauma, performed emergency surgery that saved the young hero’s life. Upon regaining consciousness at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Trey’s first words demonstrated his unwavering concern for his sister: “Daddy, did I save my sister?”
The accident claimed seven lives, including all passengers aboard the medical transport plane and one person in a vehicle. Twenty-two others sustained injuries from the crash.
Recovery and widespread recognition
Support for Trey and his family has poured in from various quarters. His school, Soans Christian Academy, initiated fundraising efforts, while Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown sent an encouraging message: “Speedy recovery! You are a Hero young man! I’m going to come see you when I get back. Hopefully with some hardware. Playing for you on Sunday my man.”
Despite initial concerns about his ability to walk again, Trey continues to make remarkable progress in his recovery. His father expressed profound pride in his son’s actions, stating, “To face death yesterday and speaking today, stepping up for his little sister, like I train him and his other little brothers to do off of instinct. He’s my hero.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover medical expenses, therapy, and rehabilitation costs not covered by insurance. The young hero’s spirits were lifted when his beloved Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, leading him to join in an “E-A-G-L-E-S” chant from his hospital room while wearing team merchandise.
