A Thursday flight from Joplin to Chicago ends up being diverted to another airport due to a medical emergency of a passenger.

 About 45 minutes after taking off from Joplin Regional Airport, the United Airlines flight began an early descent to land in Peoria, Illinois. The diversion was due to the medical issue of an 8-year-old female passenger. After landing, the plane was met by EMS, the Air National Guard Fire and the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. Life-saving measures began immediately. The child was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.