Officials Reveal Cause of Death for 8-Year-Old Girl Who Died Mid-Flight
A Missouri coroner has announced the cause of death for an 8-year-old girl who passed away on a SkyWest flight this summer.
Sydney Weston, from Carl Junction, Missouri, experienced a medical emergency on SkyWest Flight 5121, which was traveling from Joplin, Missouri, to Chicago. The flight, operated as United Express, took off from Joplin on June 13.
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office initially stated that Weston’s family informed the flight crew of her condition, and they quickly began providing aid.
“Upon landing in Peoria, she was not breathing and had no pulse,” the office said.
On Friday, Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood confirmed that Weston’s death was caused by complications from “chronic primary adrenalitis.” This condition involves inflammation of the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.
“After reviewing the medical records, conducting a thorough autopsy, and performing additional tests, we determined that the cause of death was complications of chronic primary adrenalitis, combined with infections such as strep and enterovirus,” Harwood explained.
“Infections can trigger a severe adrenal insufficiency crisis in people with chronic adrenal disease,” Harwood added. “Sydney also had duodenitis (inflammation of the small intestine) and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland).”
Harwood noted that the autopsy results suggest an autoimmune disorder.
“Chronic adrenalitis, duodenitis, and thyroiditis are signs of an underlying autoimmune disorder,” the statement said. “This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, disrupting their normal function.”
In June, SkyWest confirmed that the flight was diverted to Peoria to help the young girl.
“We appreciate the swift response of our crew and the medical team that met the aircraft,” the airline said.