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Teen killed protecting little sister from home invader

15-year-old Khyler Edman (Photo Provided/Family via CNN)

PORT CHAROLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — The family of a Florida teen who was killed while protecting his younger sister during a home invasion says he died a hero.

Family spokeswoman Crystal Stone told reporters 15-year-old Khyler Edman was “his sister’s keeper.”

Charlotte County Sheriff’s investigators say 27-year-old Ryan Cole broke into the home Thursday afternoon and got into a violent struggle with Edman, who was protecting his 5-year-old sister. She wasn’t harmed.

Investigators haven’t said how Edman died, but Cole was stabbed several times before running from the house. Neighbors called 911 after seeing an injured man walking along a street.

He was arrested and hospitalized. He’s being held on a burglary charge and additional charges are expected.

A GoFundMe account has raised over $20,000 for Edman’s family.

A lawyer wasn’t listed on jail records.