CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Support rang out in the streets of Chester Saturday afternoon for the 8-year-old boy who was paralyzed in a hit-and-run last month.
Family, friends and community members gathered at 9th and Tilghman streets around noon to march for justice for Ny'Leek Ellison, who was struck near the intersection while getting off a SEPTA bus after school on Feb. 4.
Nasir Leach, a lead organizer for the event, noted that 9th Street is a highway, with a few schools along it, including Ellison’s.
“It just hurts, you know, to see an 8-year-old paralyzed from the neck down, and it's nothing that we can do but just hope and pray.”
Leach said a lot of community support and resources brought the event together, as many people wanted to back the family.
Anita Carrington, Ellison’s mom, said she was thankful for all the love.
“The community of Chester and the community of Philadelphia and the whole world is behind him,” she said. “Just because they're not here today to walk, they're here every day fighting with him.”
Mayor Stefan Roots says the road to recovery will be a long journey and the family will need support for years to come. “I'm taking this personal,” he said.
Caleb Campbell, 22, was arrested in connection with the hit-and-run in late February. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle.