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Delta flight returns to LAX due to medical emergency; young girl declared dead upon landing

Posted at 2:13 PM, Dec 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-27 14:13:40-05

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 12: A Delta Air Lines plane lands at Los Angeles International Airport on July 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Delta announced today that it will increase fares by reducing the supply of seats in an effort to offset higher fuel prices. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A medical emergency resulted in a young girl being declared dead when her flight landed at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday night, authorities said.

Delta Flight #2423 on its way to Seattle returned to LAX due to a passenger medical issue on board, according to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor.

The passenger was identified as 10-year-old Janice Xu, according to Lt. David Smith of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

An autopsy will be performed in the next day or so, Smith told CNN. No other information will be available until the autopsy is complete.

CNN affiliate KTLA reported that the girl suffered a cardiac arrest on the plane.

“LAFD paramedics responded to a medical aid for a minor female child and furiously worked to save her life. Sadly, all efforts were futile and the child was beyond medical help,” theLos Angeles Fire Department said in a statement.

LAPD officers also responded and determined there was no foul play involved. They are not investigating the incident further, officer Mike Lopez said.

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Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident and said the company is working to reaccommodate customers that were on the flight.