Community honors 9-year-old Chester boy who died after being paralyzed from 2025 hit-and-run
CHESTER, Pa. – Family, friends and community members gathered Saturday to honor Ny’Leek Ellison, a 9-year-old boy in Chester whom many describe as his hometown superhero.
“He gave Chester hope,” said his father, Micah Ellison. “I’m lucky to be his father. These were the best 9 years of my life.”
Citizens carried Spider-Man balloons to commemorate the child who died unexpectedly on Thursday.
“He was so smart. He was so strong. I always called him my superhero,” Tanisha Palmer said.
Ny’Leek’s mother, Anita Carrington, described the year she spent caring for him after he was left paralyzed in a hit-and-run crash at 9th and Tilghman streets in Chester in February 2025. “This is my baby. I thought I had it. I thought I had it. I thought I was going to see my baby walk again,” she said.
Police arrested the driver, Caleb Campbell, 22, and later pleaded no contest to aggravated vehicular assault and crashes resulting in death or injury while unlicensed. The crash changed everything, Carrington said. “Everything I worked so hard to make his life better as a baby, Caleb Campbell turned upside down because he couldn’t wait one second. He couldn’t wait one second. And through all my baby’s difficulties of trying to fight for me, I had him for a year and now my baby is gone.”
Local leaders and Ellison’s family are now pushing for higher wages. The District Attorney’s Office stated that the investigation into the incident is continuing. Chester Councilman Fred Green said he hoped the legal system would look into the matter more closely. “I believe that justice was not served in the first trial, but I hope that justice will be served in the second trial,” he said.
As the community grieves, Ellison’s parents said they take comfort in believing their son will be reunited with his beloved dog, Adonis. They also expressed their gratitude for the support around them. “Chester is all about community. It’s all about love and unity, and I think it showed that today,” Green said.
Carrington said the outpouring of love helped her survive. “When the time comes, they come together and love you with everything they have,” he said. “And I love you all too.”
Ny’Leek Ellison at St. Peter’s Church in Chester on April 11. He will be buried at Luke Community Christian Church. Donations are being collected.
