PEORIA, Illinois – An eight-year-old girl tragically passed away on a United Airlines flight after suffering a medical emergency. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when United flight 5121 diverted to Peoria, Illinois, just 45 minutes after departing from Joplin, Missouri en route to Chicago.
The young girl, identified as Sydney Weston, fell ill and became unresponsive, prompting the flight to make an emergency landing. Crew members promptly rendered aid upon notification from Sydney’s family. However, first responders at Peoria airport found her without vital signs.
Efforts to resuscitate Sydney continued as she was rushed to the hospital, but she was declared dead shortly after 8 am. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the cause of death.
Sydney, who was on vacation with her family from Carl Junction, Missouri, has left the entire community devastated. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office extended their condolences and requested thoughts and prayers for the family and everyone involved.
SkyWest, the operator of the flight, expressed gratitude for the prompt response from their crew members and the medical personnel who met the aircraft. Flight 5121 eventually resumed its journey to Chicago before 1 pm on Thursday.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the unforeseen tragedies that can occur during routine travel. The investigation into Sydney Weston’s death aims to provide answers and prevent similar incidents in the future, as the community comes to terms with the loss of a young life.