Ten-year-old Ramesses Vazquez-Viana returned home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after nearly a year of surgeries, rehabilitation, and medical treatment tied to a deadly plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. His homecoming followed months of care across multiple hospitals and steady support from his school and community.
That journey began on Jan. 31, 2025, when a medical transport plane carrying a former Shriners Children’s Philadelphia patient crashed into a residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, triggering multiple fires. All six people aboard the aircraft were killed, along with two people on the ground: Ramesses’ father and his father’s girlfriend. Ramesses, who was 9 years old at the time, was the only survivor from the car his father had been driving and suffered burns on more than 90% of his body.
After the crash, Ramesses was airlifted to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston, where he began extensive medical treatment. Over the following months, he underwent 42 surgeries and remained hospitalized for intensive care and rehabilitation. His mother, Jamie Vazquez-Viana, stayed with him throughout this period, monitoring his hearing, eyesight, and ability to move his fingers and toes as signs of progress. Six months into treatment, she heard his voice for the first time since the crash.
By October, Ramesses was still receiving care at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston when he celebrated his 10th birthday. Family members traveled to be with him, classmates joined by phone, and hospital staff participated as his treatment continued.
With continued improvement, Ramesses was transferred from Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston to Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Marlton, New Jersey, bringing his care closer to home. At Weisman, his focus turned to physical rehabilitation, including practicing getting out of bed, climbing stairs, and walking, as therapists tracked consistent gains.
While Ramesses continued his recovery, his story reached a wider audience. CBS News correspondent David Begnaud shared his experience on the segment “Beg Knows America,” bringing national attention to both Ramesses’ progress and the ongoing support from Philadelphia. Throughout this time, encouragement came from classmates, community members, and members of the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
As Ramesses prepared to return home, Smedley Elementary School, where he is a student, organized a homecoming celebration. During his hospitalization, teachers and students sent him cards, prayers, and videos. Nearly eleven months after the crash, the school held a pep rally led by Eagles mascot Swoop to recognize his return to the area, although Ramesses was unable to attend in person.
The homecoming celebration extended beyond recognition of Ramesses’ return and included support for both his family and school. Jamie Vazquez-Viana received a brand-new car donated by David Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Glen Mills through dealership owner David Kelleher, following national attention on the family’s story. The school also received a $50,000 donation from Canva to support students and school programs.
Throughout Ramesses’ absence, his classroom remained connected to him, with a stuffed bear named Fezzy placed in his seat. As he continued rehabilitation, his close friends visited him ahead of the school celebration. Jamie Vazquez-Viana said her son remembers details from the crash, including hearing two loud booms and trying to help his father out of the car before being instructed to get out.
As he resumes life at home, Ramesses is expected to begin virtual classes a few days each week before gradually transitioning back to in-person learning at Smedley Elementary School, while continuing to return to Boston for future surgeries as part of his ongoing medical care.
