Chronic primary adrenalitis

Published Aug. 6, 2024, 8:10 p.m. ET

An 8-year-old Missouri girl who died suddenly after falling ill on a flight to Chicago in June was suffering from at least five different illnesses at the time of her death, a new medical examiner’s report found.

Sydney Weston died June 13 from complications of chronic primary adrenalitis coupled with several infections, including enterovirus and strep, according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood.

She was also suffering from inflammation of the small intestines known as duodenitis and the thyroid gland inflammation commonly known as thyroiditis, according to 25 News Now.

The long list of conditions suggested Weston may have suffered from an autoimmune disorder which left her body attacking its own healthy cells and harming organ operation, Harwood found.

Sydney died on June 13 after she became unresponsive while flying with her parents from Joplin, Mo., to a vacation in the Windy City.

The plane was diverted to Peoria, Ill., for an emergency landing, but Sydney died after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

Results from a previously released preliminary autopsy were inconclusive but found that her body showed no signs of abuse, neglect or foul play.

Sydney was just a week away from celebrating her ninth birthday when she died.

“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,” her obituary read.

https://nypost.com/2024/08/06/us-news/sydney-westons-cause-of-death-revealed-after-8-year-old-died-on-flight/

June 15 (UPI) -- Illinois authorities are investigating why an 8-year-old Missouri girl died after suffering a medical emergency on board a SkyWest Airlines flight to Chicago.

Sydney Weston of Carl Junction, Mo., was traveling with her family from Joplin, Mo., to Chicago when she "suddenly became ill and then unresponsive in flight," the Peoria County Coroner's Office said in a statement. SkyWest Airlines confirmed that the child was aboard flight 5121, operating as United Express, to Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Thursday.

The coroner's officer said the girl's family immediately alerted airline staff of her condition, and they began rendering aid.

The flight was re-routed to Peoria, Ill. When the plane landed, paramedics were on site to tend to the passenger.

"We appreciate the efforts of our crewmembers who responded quickly to assist and the medical personnel who met the aircraft," a SkyWest spokesperson said in a statement.

Weston was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where she was pronounced dead at 8:05 a.m.

A preliminary autopsy on Friday to determine the cause of Weston's death was inconclusive, but authorities said they found no signs of abuse or neglect.

The coroner's office said additional tests will be conducted, and results might be available in four to six weeks.

"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," the coroner's office said.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/06/15/girl-dies-medical-emergency-skywest-airlines/5551718473940/