Hero Boy, 13, Died After Jumping In Front Of Speeding Car To Save His Sister

A 13-year-old boy died after pushing his sister out of the way of a hit-and-run driver. Tyler Phillips, of Medford, New York, was hit by a gray SUV a day after celebrating his birthday when he rushed in to save his sister, Krystal Randolph, who is also 13.

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Tyler was walking with his sister in a bike lane in Coram when they were struck around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 12. Tyler quickly pushed his sister out of the way to save her, but ended up dying from his injuries.

Desari Mac, Tyler's mother, confirmed that he died in the hospital three days later after the crash severed his spine and skull. 

'They tried to resuscitate him and he was gone for 30 minutes,' Desari Mac, Tyler's mother told NBC of the frantic moments first responders attempted to save her son. 

NBC New York

'His vertebrate and his skull got separated, and he's got no brain function,' she added, describing his condition at Stony Brook University Hospital. 'He's gone.'  

Krystal, who only suffered minor injuries, also mourned the loss of her brother and described him as her hero. 

'He saved my life,' she told the local outlet. 'He was a hero. He will always be a hero.'  

NBC New York

The heartbroken sister said her brother was sent flying by the impact of the car, which police believe to be a dark-colored Chevrolet Equinox made between 2005 and 2009. 

Krystal said the the SUV that hit them and took off had no lights on, even though it was already dark outside. She said the vehicle was grey, possibly a Jeep. Police are searching for the vehicle.

NBC New York

Officials said the hit-and-run vehicle has damaged headlights and front passenger mirror, as well as a broken sideview front passenger mirror. The police are currently offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest of the driver. 

A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help fund Tyler's funeral costs. Organised by the 13-year-old's aunt, it reads: "My nephew was Outgoing, Adventurous, Fiesty yet kind, he loved with his whole heart for the ones he cared for , he was humorous, athletic etc. Tyler was an amazing kid! He is a hero because he saved his sister from being hit by that car.

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"His mother is low on funds so she don't have enough to pay for funeral expenses and burial let alone a headstone. My nephew Tyler deserves to be laid to rest with a proper farewell. We are all sadden by this sudden lost . If anyone can please donate to help out the family we would all appreciate it!"

A funeral for Tyler will be held on Friday at the Mangano Family Funeral Home in Middle Island. A candlelit vigil is also being held the same day at Granny Park to remember Tyler.

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His family described him as boy who loved playing football and basketball. They said that when he wasn't playing sports, he was busy creating new dances and enjoying freestyle music. 

Along with his mother and sister, Tyler left his father, Joseph Phillips, and three other siblings - Rebecca, Matthew and Michael grieving.

Administrators from his school offered their condolences:

'While we are thankful that Krystal is expected to survive, we are heartbroken to learn of Tyler's passing.' 

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'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler and Krystal's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,' the district said in a statement.

Grief counseling is also being offered by the school district. Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact police.