Suffolk Police Release Description Of Car Believed To Have Struck Medford Teen

CORAM, NY — Suffolk police have released a description of the vehicle they believe struck a 13-year-old Medford boy as he walked with his sister on Wednesday night.

The vehicle is described as a light gray 2005 to 2009 Chevrolet Equinox with front passenger bumper damage and the headlight missing, police said, adding, that the side view front passenger mirror is also broken.

Suffolk police said Medford residents Tyler Phillips and his sister, Krystal Randolph, were walking westbound in the bike lane on Granny Road, near Middle Island Road, in Coram at about 7:30 p.m. when an unknown vehicle that was also traveling westbound struck him.

The vehicle sped away on Granny Road, police said.

Phillips was taken in an ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital in critical condition and Randolph, 13, was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

In a Facebook post Thursday, Phillips' mother described him as a "hero" who pushed his sister out of the path of the oncoming car.

"My baby boy is a hero ... lots of love," she wrote. "I miss him. There's no words that can describe on how I feel."

Tyler had just celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.

A candlelight vigil has been planned for Friday in Gordon Heights.

School district officials announced on Social media that Tyler had died on Thursday afternoon.

With "heavy hearts" William Floyd School District officials said Tyler was an 8th grade student with his sister at William Paca Middle School.

They said that while they are grateful that Krystal is expected to survive, they are "heartbroken over Tyler's passing."

"We have reached out to the family to offer any support that they may need during this difficult time," they wrote. "Grief and crisis counselors are available for William Paca students or any student across our district who has been affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler’s family and friends at this time."

The teens have another sibling who attends Tangier Smith Elementary School, district officials said.

The Longwood Central School District community was also left reeling from the news.

In a Facebook post, Schools Superintendent Lance Lohman called Tyler's death tragic, saying that he "succumbed to his injuries early this morning."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler and Krystal’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," he wrote.

There is an outpouring of support on social media from the surrounding community for Tyler's family.

One community member wrote: "Such a tragedy. My heartfelt condolences to Tyler’s family, friends and classmates. We wish a speedy recovery to Krystal."

Another called the hit-and-run "horrendous."

Yet another person just asked everyone to pray.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Major Case Unit detectives at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.