9-Year-Old Hit-and-Run Victim Dies from Injuries

Chester community holds balloon release to honor Ny'Leek Ellison

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A 9-year-old boy who was left paralyzed from the neck down after a hit-and-run crash in Chester, Pennsylvania last year has died from his injuries. The Chester community gathered for a balloon release in memory of Ny'Leek Ellison, whose mother expressed heartbreak over losing her son.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Ny'Leek Ellison has devastated the Chester community and raised questions about the severity of charges against the hit-and-run driver. This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians, especially children, face on local streets and the need for stronger accountability and safety measures.

The details

In February 2025, Ny'Leek was getting off a SEPTA bus after school when a driver struck him and dragged him up the street before fleeing the scene. The 9-year-old was left paralyzed from the neck down. Caleb Campbell, 22, was sentenced last month to a maximum of three years for the hit-and-run, but Ny'Leek's family and friends are hoping the charges will be upgraded following his death.

  • In February 2025, Ny'Leek was struck by a vehicle and left paralyzed.
  • Caleb Campbell was sentenced last month to 3 years for the hit-and-run.
  • Ny'Leek Ellison died from his injuries on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Ny'Leek Ellison

A 9-year-old boy who was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Chester, Pennsylvania and left paralyzed, later dying from his injuries.

Anita Carrington

Ny'Leek Ellison's mother, who expressed heartbreak over losing her son.

Caleb Campbell

A 22-year-old man who was sentenced to a maximum of 3 years for the hit-and-run incident that left Ny'Leek Ellison paralyzed.

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What they’re saying

“That's my baby, I thought I had him. I thought I was gonna see my baby walk again.”

— Anita Carrington, Ny'Leek Ellison's mother

What’s next

Officials have not commented on whether the charges against Caleb Campbell will be upgraded following Ny'Leek Ellison's death.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Ny'Leek Ellison has devastated the Chester community and raised concerns about the need for stronger accountability and safety measures to protect pedestrians, especially children, on local streets.