Hero Boy, 13, Dies in Hit-And-Run After Pushing His Sister Out Of The Way

Siblings Tyler Phillips and Krystal Randolph, aged 13, were walking home on a bike lane in Coram on October 12 when a hit-and-run driver struck Tyler and fled the scene. They attended 8th grade together at William Paca Middle School in the William Floyd school district and have been living in a shelter for about a year. 

Sadly, Tyler [pictured right] passed away three later due to his severe injuries, while Krystal suffered minor injuries. 

“He saved my life,” Krystal told NBC4, detailing how Tyler pushed her out of the way to be hit by the gray SUV just a day after celebrating his birthday. She added: “He was a hero. He will always be a hero.” Krystal revealed 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. 

Officials alleged that the hit-and-run vehicle had damaged headlights and front passenger mirror, including a broken sideview front passenger mirror.

Administrators at William Paca Middle School have offered condolences in a note to the community. It read: “While we are thankful that Krystal is expected to survive, we are heartbroken to learn of Tyler’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler’s family and friends at this time.” A funeral for Tyler is set to hold Friday at the Mangano Family Funeral Home situated in Middle Island. 

The police are currently offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest of the driver. 

Accordingly, the Longwood Central School District, where Tyler and Krystal had attended West Middle Island Elementary School, has also sent a note of condolence. They wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler and Krystal’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” Tyler’s family has described him as a boy who loved playing football and basketball. 

His family also said he creates new dances when he isn’t playing sports and enjoys freestyle music. 

Along with his mother and sister, Tyler was survived by his father, Joseph Phillips, and three other siblings named Michael, Mathew, and Rebecca. 

In an interview with NBC about the frantic moments, first responders attempted to save her son, Desari Mac, Tyler’s mother [pictured below], highlighted: “They tried to resuscitate him, and he was gone for 30 minutes. His vertebrate and skill got separated, and he’s got no brain function, describing Tyler’s condition at Stony Brook University Hospital. She then tearfully stated: “He’s gone.”