Autopsy for girl, 8, who died after passing out on SkyWest plane comes back inconclusive: Youngster was going on vacation with parents and brother

The preliminary autopsy for an eight-year-old girl who died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a commercial flight was inconclusive, officials said.

Elementary schooler Sydney Weston was on her way to Chicago with her family when she became ill and then unresponsive after taking off from Joplin, Missouri, on SkyWest Flight 5121 on Thursday.

The flight was diverted to Peoria, Illinois, about 45 minutes after take off and forced to make an emergency landing. 

First-responders met the child at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport after the plane landed but the girl was not breathing and had no pulse, according to the coroner's office.

Sydney was rushed her to the hospital, where she was declared dead just after 8am, despite 'aggressive resuscitative efforts.' 

Her maternal grandmother Teri Carlson posted a tribute ion Facebook, where people have been leaving their condolences

Officials said the girl, identified as Sydney Weston, became ill and then unresponsive and the flight was forced to make an emergency landing

The Peoria County coroner's office said on Friday there are several studies pending to determine a cause of death.

Moreover, officials ruled out any foul play, abuse or neglect. 

'We will be awaiting histology, biopsies, cultures, blood hematology and chemistry, and toxicology testing,' said the coroner.

'These tests generally take 4-6 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.'

Sydney, from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her her parents Whitney and Dan and her older brother Evan

Sydney was rushed her to the hospital, where she was declared dead just after 8am, despite 'aggressive resuscitative efforts'

Sydney, from Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling with her her parents Whitney and Dan and her older brother Evan.

The Peoria County Sheriff's Office said: 'When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the 8-year-old female child and began life-saving measures. 

'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.'

The flight was operated by SkyWest, which operates through partnerships with United, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

A SkyWest spokesperson said: 'We appreciate the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft.'

'Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid,' the coroner said

First-responders met the child at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport after the plane landed but the girl was not breathing and had no pulse 

Flight 5121 took off to Chicago again before 1pm Thursday.

Her maternal grandmother Teri Carlson posted a tribute ion Facebook, where people have been leaving their condolences. 

One person said: 'She was such a treasure... it just not real yet. I don't know that it ever will be. My Lov and hugs are with you all.'

Another person added: 'What a beautiful little light. My heart is so broken for you and her family.'