Carl Junction girl dies after suffering medical emergency on flight from Joplin to Chicago

A young girl from Carl Junction has passed away after she suffered a medical emergency during a flight from Joplin to Chicago Thursday morning.

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office says around 7 am, they were called to the Peoria International Airport, in Peoria, Illinois, for a flight that was making an emergency landing.

When the United Airlines plane landed, deputies, AMT personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the child and began life-saving measures.

The Peoria County Coroner’s Office says the young girl, later identified as 8-year-old Sydney Weston, was not breathing and had no pulse.

She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased just after 8 am.

Officials say she was traveling with her family for vacation when she suddenly became ill and then unresponsive during the flight. Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid in the air.

“Please keep the child’s family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers,” said the sheriff’s office.

A preliminary autopsy was inconclusive as officials await the results of more tests.

The family released the following statement:

“Our hearts are shattered by the devastating loss of our precious daughter. We request privacy and respect as we cope with this profound grief. We found the words to honor Sydney the best we could right now. You can read her story and share your tributes with us here: Sydney Weston Obituary – Joplin, MO | Mason – Woodard Mortuary & Crematory (masonwoodard.com). We do not wish to speak with any media and we ask that you refrain from messaging us. Your understanding and support mean the world to us during this painful time.”

A GoFundMe for the family has been set up here