The preliminary autopsy of an eight-year-old girl who died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a commercial flight was inconclusive, authorities said.
Elementary student Sydney Weston was headed to Chicago with her family when she became ill and then lost consciousness after taking off from Joplin, Missouri, on SkyWest Flight 5121 on Thursday.
The flight was diverted to Peoria, Illinois, about 45 minutes after takeoff and was forced to make an emergency landing.
First responders found the girl at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport after the plane landed, but the girl was not breathing and had no pulse, according to the coroner’s office.
Sydney was rushed to hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 8am, despite “aggressive resuscitation efforts”.
His maternal grandmother, Teri Carlson, posted a tribute on Facebook, where people have left their condolences.
Authorities said the girl, identified as Sydney Weston, became ill and then became unresponsive and the flight was forced to make an emergency landing.
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office said Friday that several studies are pending to determine the cause of death.
Additionally, officials ruled out any foul play, abuse or neglect.
“We will be waiting for histology tests, biopsies, cultures, hematology and blood chemistry and toxicology,” the coroner said.
‘These tests generally take between 4 and 6 weeks to give results. Once we have completed those tests, we are hopeful that we will be able to provide a definitive and accurate cause of this girl’s death and give her family some answers.”
Sydney, from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her parents Whitney and Dan and her older brother Evan.
Sydney was rushed to hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 8am, despite “aggressive resuscitation efforts”.
Sydney, from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her parents Whitney and Dan and her older brother Evan.
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office said: “When the plane landed, deputies, AMT personnel and Air National Guard fire personnel immediately met the 8-year-old girl and began taking life-saving measures. “.
‘The girl was transported to a local hospital by AMT where she was sadly pronounced deceased.
“Please keep the child’s family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers.”
The flight was operated by SkyWest, which operates through partnerships with United, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
A SkyWest spokesperson said: “We appreciate the efforts of our crew members who responded quickly to assist and the medical staff who received the aircraft.”
“His family immediately notified flight personnel of his condition and they quickly began rendering aid,” the coroner said.
First responders met the girl at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport after the plane landed, but the girl was not breathing and had no pulse.
Flight 5121 took off again for Chicago before 1:00 pm Thursday.
His maternal grandmother, Teri Carlson, posted a tribute on Facebook, where people have left their condolences.
One person said: “She was a treasure… but she’s not real yet.” I don’t know if she ever will be. My love and hugs are with you all.’
Another person added: ‘What a pretty little light. My heart is so broken for you and your family.
