The identity of the eight-year-old girl who died after suffering a medical emergency on a SkyWest Airlines flight has been released.
The tragedy took place on SkyWest Flight 5121, which departed from Joplin, Missouri, and was bound for Chicago on Thursday (June 13).
The aircraft left the airport at 5:51AM and was forced to make an emergency landing 42 minutes later at the Peoria International Airport in Illinois, per Flight Aware, which tracks flight paths.
According to reports, a little girl, who was flying with her family, suddenly became ill and unresponsive. "Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid," the coroner said, per Daily Mail.
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The eight-year-old girl has been identified as Sydney Weston from Carl Junction, Missouri by officials. She was traveling with her parents Whitney and Dan, and her older brother Evan.
Upon landing in Peoria, Weston was not breathing and had no pulse, according to a statement from the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.
She was rushed to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, which was seven miles away. Despite "aggressive resuscitative efforts,” she was pronounced dead at 8:05AM.
"Please keep the child's family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers," the sheriff's office added.
Weston's 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."
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A spokesperson for the aircraft released a statement regarding the tragic death: “We appreciate the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft,” as cited by The New York Post.
Weston's autopsy has been scheduled for Friday and preliminary findings will be disclosed upon completion.
Our thoughts continue to be with the eight-year-old's family and friends at this devastating time.
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