An eight-year-old girl, Sydney Weston, tragically passed away after experiencing a medical emergency aboard SkyWest Flight 5121, operated in partnership with United Airlines. The flight, which departed from Joplin, Missouri, at 6 am bound for Chicago, was diverted to Peoria, Illinois, approximately 45 minutes after takeoff. Officials reported that Sydney became ill and subsequently unresponsive, prompting the emergency landing.
“The family promptly informed the flight crew of her condition, and they swiftly initiated assistance,” stated the coroner.
Upon landing at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, first-responders met the child, who, according to the coroner’s office, was unresponsive and without a pulse.
Authorities reported that Sydney Weston fell ill and subsequently became unresponsive, necessitating an emergency landing of the flight.
Teri Carlson, the girl’s maternal grandmother, shared a tribute on Facebook where people have been offering their condolences.
Sydney was swiftly taken to the hospital, where she was declared deceased just after 8 am, despite exhaustive resuscitation attempts.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Sydney, who was from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her parents, Whitney and Dan, along with her older brother, Evan.
According to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, upon landing, deputies, AMT personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel promptly responded to provide urgent medical care to the 8-year-old girl.
Sydney, a resident of Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her parents, Whitney and Dan, as well as her older brother, Evan.
Sydney was urgently taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 8 am, despite extensive resuscitation efforts.
“The child was taken to a local hospital by AMT where she was sadly pronounced deceased.
“Please keep the child’s family and everyone affected by this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers.”
The flight was operated by SkyWest, in partnership with United, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
A spokesperson from SkyWest commented, “We are grateful for the swift response of our crew members and the medical personnel who met the aircraft.”
“The family promptly informed the flight personnel of her condition, and they quickly initiated assistance,” stated the coroner.
First-responders attended to the child upon landing at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, but unfortunately, she was found without breath or pulse.
Flight 5121 resumed its journey to Chicago before 1 pm on Thursday.
Teri Carlson, the maternal grandmother, posted a tribute on Facebook where people have been expressing their condolences.
One person wrote, “She was such a treasure… it just doesn’t feel real yet. I’m not sure it ever will. Sending my love and hugs to you all.”
Another commented, “What a beautiful little light. My heart is broken for you and her family.”
