15-Year-Old Florida Boy Dies Protecting His 5-Year-Old Sister From Intruder

A 15-year-old Florida teenager is being hailed as a hero after he died protecting his 5-year-old sister from a home invader, WPTV reports.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummel said Monday 15-year-old Khyler Edman was at his home in Port Charlotte, Florida watching his 5-year-old sister when a man identified as Ryan Clayton Cole, broke in.

“The suspect broke into this residence where a violent encounter ensued where we believe that teenager was trying to protect the home and protect their younger sibling," Prummell said at a press conference.

Police were initially called to the neighborhood after people reported seeing an injured man walking through the streets. When authorities arrived on scene, they discovered Cole near Edman's home with several stab wounds on his hands and side. As deputies approached Cole, he took off and after a short chase, was quickly apprehended.

While police were arresting Cole, deputies received another emergency call about a burglary in the area, which prompted them to canvass the area. That's when they discovered Cole had broken into two homes, the one belonging to the 911 caller, and Edman's family. When police entered the home, they found the teenager dead inside the home and his 5-year-old sister unharmed.

Khyler's family posted an update about the incident to a GoFundMe page they started to help with burial costs.

"On September 26th Khyler lost his life being a hero protecting his 5 year old sister, when a man broke in our home in Port Charlotte. Please help my family at this time give Khyler a proper burial he deserves, he was only 15 years old and lost his life due to a senseless act of a stranger. My son had a long life ahead of him, that was taken too soon. I have given Crystal Stone and Chad Ackermann permission to help my family at this time."

Cole was charged with burglary and petty theft. Authorities are remaining mum on the incident as they continue to investigate.

Photo: GoFundMe