EXCLUSIVEFamily of girl, 8, who died on SkyWest flight break their silence
The family of an eight-year-old girl who died during a SkyWest flight have broken their silence on the tragedy.
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 on Thursday.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Peoria, Illinois. desperate efforts were launched to try and revive her but sadly were unsuccessful.
Now her heartbroken family has spoken publicly for the first time since the mid flight horror.
'Our hearts are shattered by the devastating loss of our precious daughter,' Sydney's parents said in a statement to DailyMail.com.
Sydney Weston, eight, was on her way to Chicago with her family when she became ill and then unresponsive
'We request privacy and respect as we cope with this profound grief.'
The family has produced a heartbreaking obituary in tribute to the beloved youngster.
'We found the words to honor Sydney the best we could right now,' the statement added.
'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.'
'Born June 21, 2015, Sydney Mae bounced into this world ready to light it up with her infectious joy and vigorous love for life,' the obituary reads.
'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.'
The family also praised her 'unmatched joy for learning', describing how she would hug each of her teachers and had a special goodbye ritual with her dad every day before school.
The Taylor Swift fan was described as 'a ray of sunshine' who enjoyed being a girly girl, but also outdoor adventures with her dad and brother and a host of sports including swimming, soccer and fishing.
'Family game night was her absolute favorite – she could out best anyone at memory games,' her family wrote.
'She was well versed in politics and curious about your voting standards even from a young age.
'We know she would have been a voice of reason and power for all who needed someone in their corner.'
Sydney's funeral is going to be held on Tuesday and mourners are being asked to wear bright colors such as pink, which was the youngster's favorite.
An initial autopsy into Sydney's cause of death came back inconclusive.
The Peoria County coroner's office said on Friday there are several studies pending to determine a cause of death.
The Peoria County coroner's office said on Friday there are several studies pending to determine a cause of death.
But 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.
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.
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
'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.'
