Authorities are asking for help to find the driver who killed a 13-year old boy and injured another last week in Long Island, New York.
Tyler Phillips died the day after he and his sister Krystal Randolph, also 13, were struck by an SUV while walking to the shelter where they were living in Coram on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The incident happened a day after Tyler’s 13th birthday.
Tyler and Krystal were both taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where Krystal was treated for a sprained arm. Tyler died several hours after the incident.
His mother Desira Mack tearfully said, “My son’s skull and vertebrae were separated. He was a hero, he will always be a hero.”
Tyler’s sister Krystal added, “He saved my life.”
Desira clarified, “Last Thursday although my son was still on life support, he had no more brain function and was not breathing on his own. The day they literally take him off everything is when he’s gone, but he’s already gone.”
Tyler and Krystal were walking home from Gordon Heights Children’s Park in a bike lane on Granny Road at around 7:30 p.m. when the car struck them from behind.
Krystal said, “The car had no lights on, even though it was dark outside.”
Family friend Steffani Campbell witnessed the incident and said, “The car hit Krystal first and I guess Tyler went to jump and grab her. It just took him at that point as I watched him fly into the middle of the street. I called 911 and then tried to give him CPR.”
Police believe the suspect drove a dark-colored Chevrolet Equinox manufactured between 2005 and 2009. The front passenger headlight and bumper were reportedly damaged, and the passenger side mirror was broken.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 cash reward to anyone who calls 1-800-220-TIPS with anonymous tips leading to the arrest of a suspect.
A family member has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist Desira with funeral and burial costs. “My nephew was outgoing, adventurous, feisty yet kind, he loved with his whole heart for the ones he cared for, he was humorous, athletic etc. Tyler was an amazing kid!” the campaign reads.
“My nephew Tyler deserves to be laid to rest with a proper farewell,” they added. “We are all [saddened] by this sudden lost.”
It’s NY city. They love crime!