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 9-year-old Ny’Leek Ellison, a child many in Chester described as a hometown superhero.

“He gave Chester hope,” his father, Micah Ellison, said. “I’m lucky to be his father. That was the best 9 years of my life.”

Loved ones carried Spider-Man balloons as they remembered the boy, who died unexpectedly on Thursday.

“He was so bright. He had a lot of strength. I always called him my superhero,” Tanisha Palmer said.

Ny’Leek’s mother, Anita Carrington, reflected on the year she spent caring for him after he was left paralyzed in February 2025 in a hit-and-run crash at 9th and Tilghman streets in Chester. “That’s 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, 22-year-old Caleb Campbell, who later pleaded no contest to aggravated assault by vehicle and accidents involving death or injury while not licensed. Carrington said the crash changed everything. “Everything I worked so hard for when he was a baby to make his life good, Caleb Campbell reversed it because he couldn’t wait one second. He couldn’t wait one second. And with all my baby’s complications of trying to fight for me, I had him for one year and now my baby is gone.”

Local leaders and Ellison’s family are now pushing for upgraded charges. The District Attorney’s Office said the case remains under investigation. Chester Councilman Fred Green said he hopes the legal system takes a closer look. “I believe justice wasn’t served in the first trial, but my hope is justice will be served in the second trial,” he said.

As the community grieved, Ellison’s parents said they take comfort in believing their son is reunited with his beloved dog, Adonis. They also expressed gratitude for the support surrounding them. “Chester is all about community. It’s all about love and unity and I think today showed that,” Green said.

Carrington said the outpouring of love has helped carry her through. “When it’s time, they come together and they love on you with everything they have,” she said. “And I love y’all too.”

Ny’Leek Ellison will be laid to rest April 11 at St. Luke Community Christian Church in Chester. Donations are being collected.