8-Year-Old Delco Boy Dies A Year After Hit And Run

CHESTER, PA — Ny'Leek Ellison, the eight-year-old boy who was paralyzed after a hit and run crash last year and who inspired the community with his battle to survive, died on Thursday at Nemours Dupont Children's Hospital, his family announced.

Ny'Leek was getting off a SEPTA bus on his way to school in Chester on Feb. 4, 2025 when he was struck.

The driver, Caleb Campbell, 23, fled the scene but was later identified by police and arrested. He pleaded no contest to aggravated assault by vehicle and related counts, and later sentenced to 4.5 years to 9 years in prison.

The incident left Ny'Leek quadriplegic with fractures across his body.

Ny'Leek was honored by community leaders and his local Chester Upland School District, which called it an "incredibly difficult time."

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ny’Leek Ellison, a beloved elementary school student within our school community," the Chester Upland School District shared in a statement. "After experiencing a life-altering accident last year, Ny’Leek showed incredible strength and resilience, inspiring many inside and outside our district with his courage."

More than $33,000 had been raised in a GoFundMe over the past year to help assist Ny'Leek and his family with enormous medical costs, including home modifications, medical equipment, in-home care, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Family said he was in critical condition for much of the time he attempting to recover.

"We appreciate all the love and support from everyone," they wrote in the GoFundMe. "Our family is committed and focused solely on the health of Ny'Leek and his full recovery."

Despite the health struggles, there were bright moments of perseverance that will stay with the community forever. Ny'Leek was even able to attend classes.

Chester Councilman Fred Green is helping organize a community vigil and balloon release to honor Ny'Leek's life on Saturday, March 28 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the location where he was hit by the vehicle, the intersection of W. 9th Street and Tilghman Street in Chester.