Akron, Ohio — Nearly two decades have passed since 10-year-old Tony Swain Jr. lost his life while protecting his younger sister.
His family still remembers him as “LT.”
A son.
A brother.
A protector.
A hero.
On September 6, 2005, Tony and his 6-year-old sister, Charlique, were walking to Glover Elementary School in Akron, Ohio.
It was Charlique’s birthday.
The children were running slightly late but making their way to school together as they approached the intersection of Hammel Street and Lovers Lane.
What happened next would change their family forever.
The Morning Tony Saved His Sister
At approximately 7:45 a.m., the siblings reached the intersection.
A crossing guard reportedly signaled for an approaching vehicle to stop so the children could safely cross the street.
The driver did not stop.
According to family members and investigators, Tony saw the vehicle coming toward them.
In a split second, he pushed his younger sister out of the way.
The vehicle struck him instead.
Tony died at the scene.
The driver never stopped.
Instead, the vehicle fled, leaving behind a devastated family and a little girl who would forever remember the brother who saved her life.
Years later, Charlique reflected on what happened.
“If it wasn’t for him, it could’ve been me,” she said.
“So he is the hero.”
Search for the Driver
Investigators determined the suspect vehicle was believed to be a red or maroon Mercury Cougar or Ford Thunderbird manufactured between 1989 and 1995.
Despite public appeals, media coverage, and years of investigation, the driver has never been identified.
No arrest has been made.
The case remains unsolved.
Remembering LT
For Tony’s family, the pain of losing him has never disappeared.
What remains strongest, however, is the memory of the courage he displayed during the final moments of his life.
At only 10 years old, Tony made a decision that saved his sister.
His sacrifice allowed Charlique to grow up, celebrate future birthdays, and live the life he helped preserve.
Nearly 20 years later, his loved ones continue to seek answers and hope the person responsible will finally be identified.
Anyone with information regarding the death of Tony Swain Jr. is urged to contact the Akron Police Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP, or Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS.
Tony Swain Jr. was only 10 years old.
But to those who knew him, he will always be remembered as a hero.
© The Vivid Faces of the Vanished