9-year-old Chester boy paralyzed by hit-and-run driver has died
Ny’Leek Ellison was paralyzed from the neck down after he was struck on Feb. 4, 2025. Caleb Campbell, now 23, pleaded no contest and was sentenced to a maximum three years in prison.
A Chester city councilman on Thursday announced the death of Ny’Leek Ellison, a 9-year-old boy who was paralyzed after being struck last year by a hit-and-run driver.
A spokesperson for Ny’Leek’s family said that he died around 8:25 a.m. at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, adding that “this was completely unexpected.”
“My heart is heavy today,” Chester Councilman Fred Green posted on social media. “One of the strongest kids I know received his wings today. Ny’Leek, you will be missed. To his courageous Mother and family I’m praying for your strength. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
Caleb Campbell, 23, pleaded no contest to aggravated assault by vehicle, and accident involving injury while not licensed, court records show. He was sentenced last month to 18 months to a maximum three years in prison.
Officials could not be reached Thursday night to comment on whether upgraded charges would be filed in the case.
On Feb. 4, 2025, Chester police responded around 4 p.m. to Ninth and Tilghman Streets for a hit-and-run involving a child. They found Ny’Leek, then 8 years old, with life-threatening injuries.
The boy was transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center, then airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
On Feb. 27, 2025, Campbell, then 22, was arrested.
Last July, Ny’Leek finally was able to return home from the hospital.
The city of Chester posted a message asking people to donate to the GoFundMe for Ny’Leek, who had been paralyzed from the neck down. The city said that the boy would require lifelong care and the costs were enormous.
Councilman Green said Thursday that a balloon release for Ny’Leek was scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ninth and Tilghman Streets.