When a medical jet crashed outside Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 31, seven people died and 22 more were injured, including 10-year-old Trey Howard. But his quick thinking helped save his younger sister from harm.
Trey’s father Andre Howard told NBC10 in Philadelphia that his son laid on top of his sister to protect her. As a result, Trey was hit in the head with a piece of metal, which required emergency brain surgery.
“The way it landed, it was only because he laid on his sister,” Howard said.
He told ABC 7 in Philadelphia that he was taking his three kids to get donuts when the jet crashed. He drove the car to safety while Trey shielded his sister.
Though Howard said the family was told that Trey “might not survive” the night, he is now recovering.
When Trey, a huge Philadelphia sports fan, woke up after surgery, he had two very important questions: he wanted to know if he saved his sister … and if he missed watching the Eagles play in the Super Bowl.
When Trey started to gain some attention for his bravery, he told his father, “I’m a celebrity!”
Howard said to his son, “No, you’re bigger than a celebrity. You’re a superhero.”
Eagles standout A.J. Brown heard about the 10-year-old’s heroism and posted on social media: “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.”
Brown discussed this “incredible story” with NBC 10 at a recent press conference.
“He’s a hero,” Brown said of Trey. “Shoutout to his parents. They raised a hero. Like I said, when we get back, I’m going to try to go see him. I hope he’s feeling better.”
Brown added that Trey’s extreme love of the Eagles means a lot to the city.
