10-year-old Philadelphia plane crash survivor rings bell before Sixers game

Ramesses Vazquez-Viana, hurt in last year’s Northeast Philadelphia medical jet crash, rang the bell before Sixers-Timberwolves at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

A 10-year-old boy who sustained severe injuries in last year's medical jet crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, participated in a special moment before the Sixers game on Friday night.

Ramesses Vazquez‑Viana got the chance to ring the bell before the Sixers-Timberwolves game at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

As he rang the bell, the crowd cheered and applauded.

Back in January 2025, Ramesses, then 9, was in a car with his father, Steven Dreuitt, 37, and his father's girlfriend, Dominique Goods-Burke, 34, when a medical jet slammed into Northeast Philadelphia.

All six people on the plane died and Ramesses was the only one in the car who survived. Dozens of others were left hurt with hundreds of homes and businesses damaged.

Ramesses remained in the hospital for many months after the crash. He suffered burns to 90% of his body as well as internal and external wounds.

Over a year after the tragic crash, Ramesses' recovery and determination continues to inspire people across Philadelphia and beyond.