It’s with a heavy heart that we bring you some tragic news about a young girl who suffered a medical emergency on a flight. Here’s what we know about the heartbreaking incident.
An eight-year-old girl, Sydney Weston, tragically passed away after experiencing a medical emergency aboard SkyWest Flight 5121. The flight, operated in partnership with United Airlines, departed from Joplin, Missouri, early Thursday morning, headed for Chicago. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the plane made an emergency landing in Peoria, Illinois, after Sydney became ill and unresponsive.
Her family promptly alerted the flight crew, who began administering aid. Despite their efforts, Sydney was not breathing and had no pulse upon arrival at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. First responders rushed her to a local hospital, where she was declared dead shortly after 8 a.m., despite aggressive resuscitation attempts.
Autopsy results released for Sydney Weston, 8, who died after mid-flight medical episode #NewsBreak sad when they write “ aggressive, resuscitation attempt” having worked in ER / pediatric trauma this using means going on > hour knowing it’s futile. Sad https://t.co/V7XgGk0Aiz
— Kat (@TNRworkstryit) June 15, 2024
Sydney, from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her parents, Whitney and Dan, and her older brother, Evan. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office noted the swift response from deputies, AMT personnel, and Air National Guard fire personnel, who all attempted life-saving measures.
A SkyWest spokesperson expressed gratitude for the crew’s quick response and the medical personnel who met the aircraft. After the tragic incident, Flight 5121 continued its journey to Chicago later that day.
Sydney’s maternal grandmother, Teri Carlson, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, where condolences have poured in. Friends and family remembered Sydney as a treasured and beautiful light, expressing their profound grief and sending love and support to her family.
Preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the Weston family and all those affected by this devastating loss.
