Stefanie Smith: Family of Indiana woman seeks answers after her sudden death on American Airlines flight

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: The family of Stefanie Smith, a 41-year-old Indiana mother-of-two, is searching for answers after her sudden death on an American Airlines flight.

Smith was travelling on Flight 2790 from Punta Cana to Charlotte on February 28 when she experienced a critical health issue. Despite receiving CPR on the plane and an emergency diversion to the Turks and Caicos Islands, she tragically died.

Stefanie Smith's family is in agonizing wait for her body 

Chris Volz, Smith’s brother, shared the family's distress with NBC News. “I’d say the uncertainty, the not knowing how she died, the not knowing when her body will be returned to us, has been the hardest thing recently," Volz said.

He added, "It’s been a week so we’re past the initial shock. But now, it’s the uncertainty.”

The family, amidst their grief, has begun planning a “celebration of life” for Smith but remains in limbo as they await the release of her body from the Turks and Caicos hospital.

Their communication with American Airlines has not yielded any new information. “We are hoping to find out soon,” Volz told NBC.

"We want answers," her brother, Volz, told WTHR, "We want her body back, we just want her home.." he added.

Family and friends remember Stefanie Smith as a kind person 

Volz fondly remembered his sister’s positive impact on those around her. "My sister was the kind of person who saw the best in everybody. She was very much into her relationships with her family, with her friends. She put smiles on peoples’ faces," he said.

The cause of Smith’s death is still unknown and is pending a post-mortem examination.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force reported that Smith fell ill mid-flight and received immediate medical attention upon landing.

"A post-mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death," a police statement said on February 28.

Airline responds to events leading to Stefanie Smith's death

American Airlines confirmed the flight’s diversion due to a passenger’s medical needs.

"On Feb. 28, American Airlines flight 2790 with service from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to Charlotte diverted to Providenciales International Airport for the medical needs of a passenger," American Airlines told Fox News

They added, "First responders met the aircraft and one passenger was taken to the local hospital." 

Meanwhile, Smith’s friend, Maria Yannotti, recounted the harrowing moments on the flight when Smith’s boyfriend witnessed her convulsions, initially mistaking them for a joke before realizing the gravity of the situation.

“Her eyes rolled back and she started convulsing,” Yannotti told ABC News. Medical professionals on the flight intervened with CPR before the emergency landing.

Yannotti also noted that Smith appeared healthy during their five-day vacation preceding the flight.