An eight-year-old girl died from an 'unknown ailment' mid-flight as she travelled to Chicago on vacation with her family.
The coroner's office said the child, who they identified as eight-year-old Sydney Weston from Carl Junction, Missouri, suddenly became "unresponsive" during the flight - which was diverted to Peoria, Illinois, The Peoria County Coroner's Office stated in a statement that although emergency workers attempted life-saving efforts, she was later declared dead upon her arrival at a nearby hospital.
A statement from the coroner's office continued: "Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid," the coroner's office said.
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"She was not breathing and had no pulse," the statement reads, when the plane made an emergency landing in Peoria. According to the coroner's office, Weston was pronounced dead at OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria at 8:05 a.m.
The autopsy for the youngster is set for this Friday, the statement said. A 41-year-old American man died earlier this week while flying on a Fiji Airways trip from Nadi, Fiji to San Francisco. According to a statement from Fiji Airways, the unidentified man "encountered a medical condition" on Fiji Airways aircraft FJ780, which was 90 minutes away from San Francisco International Airport.
Despite the efforts of the onboard doctor and cabin staff, the man did not survive. The Airbus crew declared a medical emergency, according to FlightAware, before making a safe landing at San Francisco International Airport at 2:34 p.m.
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''Despite the best efforts of our cabin crew and a doctor on board who provided immediate assistance, the passenger unfortunately passed away. Our flight crew promptly declared a medical emergency, and we were given priority for landing by the SFO authorities. Fiji Airways ground operations and the relevant authorities were informed in advance and were prepared to meet the aircraft upon arrival.
The flight landed safely in San Francisco a short while ago. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,'' the statement further read.
The airline has not disclosed the passenger's identity or the nature of his medical condition while on board. "Fiji Airways remains committed to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities as they manage this situation," the airline added.
The man's family was also sent condolences by the airline. "During this trying time, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the deceased's family and friends." Fiji Airways remarked, "We applaud our cabin crew and the assisting physician for their prompt and professional response to this emergency."
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