The family of a Port Charlotte teenager 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 last Thursday afternoon and got into a violent struggle with Edman, who was protecting his 5-year-old sister.

Investigators haven’t said how Edman died, but Cole was stabbed several times before running from the house. He faces multiple charges.