I went to school about an hour from SYR so that is the nearest major airport. I still fly through a couple times a year. I'm not making excuses for them by any means but I'd imagine this is a very infrequent occurrence for SYR considering it's less than 30 minutes to other major airports. Hopefully they can use this as a learning experience for the future.
I had dinner at Middle Ages Pub back in June. It's pretty decent and has some nice plane spotting opportunities.
And to CVFDChief180, I'm curious as to why they didn't ask if a doctor or other health professional was onboard to assist. I read a FC passenger interview with someone who said he was a doctor and he watched the FA go back and forth to the flight deck with the oxygen tank.
Sad situation for all involved. My prayers to this crew and the Captain's family.