update
10:23 AM PT — A rep for SkyWest tells us … “SkyWest flight 5121, operating as United Express from Joplin, MO to Chicago O’Hare diverted to Peoria, IL Thursday morning and was met by paramedics to attend to a passenger in medical distress. We appreciate the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft.”
A child died Thursday after suffering a medical emergency aboard a flight … despite the crew’s best efforts to resuscitate her.
The 8-year-old — who’s been ID’d as Sydney Weston — was traveling with her family from Joplin, MO to Chicago via SkyWest Airlines … and reports say she suddenly became ill while on the plane, and then went fully unresponsive about 45 minutes into the journey.
The medical emergency forced pilots to make a detour to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport … where first responders met the family at the gate and began life-saving measures.
According to the coroner, Weston did not have a pulse when the plane landed. She was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
At this point, a cause of death isn’t known — but an autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine how exactly she may have died.
SkyWest is a regional airline that operates and maintains aircraft used by other major companies like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. This particular flight was a partnership with United.
We’ve reached out to SkyWest … so far, no word back.
Originally Published — 9:38 AM PT
