Penguins star teenager Ben Kindel has medical episode during team flight, taken to hospital

Delta flight diverted after captain suffers mid-air medical emergency

Aviation analyst Kyle Bailey reacts to dramatic audio of a Delta Air Lines captain radioing air traffic control for an emergency landing after falling ill mid-flight on Tuesday. The pilot safely taxied the commercial jet to a gate before receiving immediate medical attention. Bailey details the safety protocols and training that ensure co-pilots can manage unexpected cockpit emergencies.

The Pittsburgh Penguins turned their plane around after forward Ben Kindel had a "medical episode" during the team's flight.

Kindel, 19, received medical attention on the plane and is in stable condition.

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"The Pittsburgh Penguins team plane returned to the Salt Lake City International Airport today shortly after takeoff due to a medical episode involving forward Ben Kindel. Team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC, as well as the team’s medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Ben. An ambulance was waiting upon arrival, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. Ben is conscious, alert and in stable condition," the Penguins said in a statement.

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Ben Kindel of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates in the second period against the Dallas Stars at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 10, 2026. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)

"The health and safety of our players, as well as the privacy for their families, are our top priority. The team will provide further updates when appropriate."

The Penguins lost 5-4 to the Utah Mammoth on Monday but did not travel until Tuesday because their next game is not until Thursday.

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Ben Kindel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck during a game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 17, 2026. The Golden Knights defeated the Penguins 6-2. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Penguins selected Kindel with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The British Columbia native made his NHL debut last season, playing 86 games and scoring 19 goals and adding 20 assists for 39 points.

Through nine games this season, Kindel has two goals and two assists. In the team's Monday loss, he played 18 minutes and 53 seconds. Kindel is the youngest player on the team.

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Barrett Hayton of the Utah Mammoth checks Ben Kindel of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Oct. 19, 2026. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Members of the Penguins front office, coaching staff and medical staff will remain with Kindel in Utah, according to The Athletic.

Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.