Tragic new information has been released regarding the eight-year-old girl who tragically died after suffering a medical emergency on a SkyWest Airlines flight.
As previously reported, a little girl identified as Sydney Weston from Carl Junction, Missouri, “suddenly became ill and unresponsive” while on SkyWest Flight 5121 on Thursday (June 13).
The aircraft departed from Joplin, Missouri, and was bound for Chicago, however, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing 42 minutes later at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport in Illinois around 7:00AM.
“Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid,” the coroner said, per Daily Mail.
Peoria County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release on Facebook, revealing devastating information about the young passenger’s death.
Officials shared that they responded to a call about a flight landing at the Peoria International Airport for a medical emergency.
“When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the 8-year-old female child and began life-saving measures,” they continued.
Peoria County Coroner’s Office disclosed in a separate statement that Weston was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center as she “was not breathing and had no pulse”.
Despite “aggressive resuscitative efforts,” from the emergency personnel, including deputies and the Air National Guard, she was pronounced deceased at 8:05AM.
“Please keep the child’s family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers,” they concluded.
Weston was traveling with her parents Whitney and Dan, and her older brother Evan.
Her grandmother Teri Carlson took to Facebook to share a heartbreaking tribute to her beloved granddaughter.
The comment section has been flooded with people expressing their condolences to the young girl’s family.
One person penned: “She was such a treasure… it just not real yet. I don’t know that it ever will be. My love and hugs are with you all.”
Another user said: “I’m so very sorry. My heart goes out to all of you. My family will be keeping all of yours in our prayers. Love and hugs,” and third added: “What a beautiful little light. My heart is so broken for you and her family.”
United Flight 5121 was chartered by United Airlines, who contracted SkyWest, according to data from FlightAware.
The spokesperson for the aircraft released a statement to The New York Post, saying that they appreciate “the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft”.
Our thoughts are with Weston’s family and friends at this time.
