The heartbroken family of an eight-year-old girl who died during after suffering an unknown medical emergency on a commercial flight have spoken publicly for the first time since their loss.
Sydney Weston was on SkyWest Flight 5121 traveling with her family on their way to Chicago from Joplin, Missouri on Thursday when she fell ill. The plane was diverted to Peoria, Illinois after she suddenly became unresponsive.
Despite every effort by emergency workers to save her life, she was sadly later declared dead upon her arrival at a nearby hospital, the Peoria County Coroner's Office said in a statement. According to the coroner's office, Sydney was pronounced dead at OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria at 8:05am.
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Now, her family have given their own statement, asking for privacy as they come to terms with losing their 'precious daughter'. "Our hearts are shattered by the devastating loss of our precious daughter. We request privacy and respect as we cope with this profound grief," they told the DailyMail.com .
They asked the press to refrain from messaging them but added that "your understanding and support" meant the world to them "during this painful time". The family also published a touching obituary to Sydney that noted how "she was very much looking forward to her family summer vacation and celebrating her 9th birthday the following week with her big plans for a skating party."
It continued: "Born June 21, 2015, Sydney Mae bounced into this world ready to light it up with her infectious joy and vigorous love for life. She will forever be remembered for the happiness she brought to every single person she encountered. Our hearts are heavy. She was our baby girl and we celebrate her beautiful life."
Elsewhere, she was described as a "girly girl who loved all things pink and pretty and a tomboy all in one" a well as a Taylor Swift fan. Her family also praised her "unmatched joy for learning," who would hug each of her teachers and had a special goodbye ritual with her dad each day before school.
The obituary went on: "Her friends were so important to her, and she was a good friend to everyone. She also loved her precious puppy, Birdie," adding that "Sydney was a ray of sunshine and summer was her season. Sydney's funeral is due to be held on on Tuesday at 10am and mourners are asked to wear bright colors, with pink being the little girl's favorite color.
An initial autopsy into Sydney's cause of death came back inconclusive. The Peoria County coroner's office said on Friday there are several studies pending to determine a cause of death. However, officials ruled out any foul play, abuse or neglect. The coroner said: "We will be awaiting histology, biopsies, cultures, blood hematology and chemistry, and toxicology testing.
"These tests generally take four to six weeks to result. Once we have those tests completed, it is our hope that we will be able to provide a definitive and exact cause of death for this little girl and give her family some answers."
A SkyWest spokesperson said : ''We appreciate the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft.'' Flight 5121 took off to Chicago again before 1pm on Thursday. While the Peoria County Sheriff's Office said: 'When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the eight-year-old female child and began life-saving measures.
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"The child was transported to a local hospital by AMT where she was unfortunately pronounced deceased. Please keep the child's family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers."
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