Arizona toddler declared dead after pool accident is found alive in hospital morgue
Azariah's Miracle: Arizona Toddler Declared Dead in Pool Accident Found Breathing in Morgue
Arizona toddler declared dead after pool - In February, a toddler was discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb and initially pronounced dead by medical staff. However, hours later, the child was found alive in the hospital’s morgue, as revealed by recently released police documents. This unexpected turn has sparked a review of the incident and raised questions about the sequence of care provided.
Initial Response and Medical Declaration
Two Gilbert police officers responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m. on February 8. They administered emergency care before transporting the child to a hospital, where he was later taken to a "cold room" for further evaluation. According to the records, a doctor at the facility stated, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing," emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
"I went to medical school for a reason," said Dr. Aryan Toosi, as noted in a bodycam video obtained by KPNX-TV. "If there's no objections, I'd like to call time of death. Time of death 18:20. Moment of silence."
Discovery of Life and Aftermath
About five hours after the initial declaration, authorities were informed that the toddler was still breathing. The child was then flown to a different hospital, where he eventually recovered and was released. Despite the survival, Gilbert police are considering filing negligence charges against the parents. Investigators cited a strong marijuana scent and open doors as potential factors that may have allowed unsupervised access to the pool.
Community Support and Recovery
A GoFundMe page, launched in February, highlighted the toddler’s need for extensive therapy. It identified the child as Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino and described him as a "miracle fighter," thanking donors for their support. The campaign has raised approximately $20,000, with doctors noting that Vincent’s recovery is proceeding cautiously, allowing his body to dictate the pace.
"Doctors are taking things slowly, allowing Vincent’s body to guide the pace of his recovery," the GoFundMe page stated.
Historical Cases of Misdiagnosed Death
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a 74-year-old woman in Nebraska who was declared dead at a nursing home but found breathing at a funeral home two hours later. In Iowa, a 66-year-old woman was discovered gasping for air in a funeral home after being pronounced dead at a nursing home. These cases, though rare, underscore the possibility of misdiagnosis.
"It tends to be much more common in elderly people than in children or toddlers," explained Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist in San Francisco. "The criteria for death require no heartbeat, no breathing, and no brain activity. There were times when patients were breathing very shallowly or intermittently, so medical staff had to wait before confirming the time of death."
Hospital Statement and Ongoing Review
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where the toddler was first taken, released a statement acknowledging the "heartbreaking situation" and committing to a full review of its procedures. The hospital aims to identify lessons learned and implement changes to enhance patient care. Meanwhile, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is examining the case for potential legal action.
When the local medical examiner’s team arrived at the cold room, they found the child still alive. This discovery has led to renewed scrutiny of the response protocols in place during such emergencies. As the family continues to recover, the case remains a focal point for discussions on medical accuracy and safety measures.