Toddler found alive in morgue after doctor pronounced him dead following 'drowning' incident

A toddler was found alive in a hospital morgue hours after being declared dead by a doctor following a near-drowning incident, sparking widespread shock and calls for accountability. The 18-month-old boy, identified as Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, was discovered face down in his family's swimming pool in Gilbert, Arizona, during a Super Bowl gathering on February 8, 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5:20 p.m., and the child was quickly transported to Mercy Gilbert Medical Centre. Less than an hour later, doctors pronounced him dead, citing the drowning as the cause. However, just over five hours later, the child was found still breathing in the hospital's morgue, leading to an urgent airlift to another facility for emergency treatment. He was eventually discharged and is presumed to have made a full recovery.

The tragic sequence of events unfolded rapidly. According to the police report, first responders performed life-saving interventions before transporting the child to the hospital. Upon arrival, doctors assessed the situation and determined the child was beyond help. Dr. Aryan Toosi, the attending physician, reportedly dismissed concerns raised by officers who observed signs of life. In a recorded exchange, Toosi stated, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing. I went to medical school for a reason." This response, captured on body camera footage, ignited public outrage and prompted further scrutiny of the medical procedures followed.

The incident took a dramatic turn when a transporter from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office arrived to collect the child’s body five hours after the initial declaration of death. Instead of finding a deceased child, the team discovered the toddler still breathing. The child was immediately evacuated by air ambulance to another hospital, where he received critical care and was subsequently released. The family, devastated by the false news, had already been sent home under the belief that they had lost their son.

Investigations into the incident have intensified, with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office examining both the hospital's handling of the case and the circumstances leading to the near-drowning. Police reports indicate that the child's parents were suspected of being under the influence of marijuana or other substances, potentially impairing their ability to supervise the child. The family had been hosting guests for a Super Bowl viewing, and it is believed the child had wandered to the pool without supervision. Officers noted a strong odor of marijuana at the residence, suggesting possible intoxication among the adults present.

The hospital, Mercy Gilbert Medical Centre, has initiated its own internal review of the case, describing it as "a heartbreaking situation." While the institution has committed to making necessary improvements to patient care, it has chosen not to disclose additional details. Dr. Toosi's legal representative, Scott Holden, has expressed reluctance to comment publicly, citing ongoing investigations and patient confidentiality. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the case contains significant medical and factual complexities beyond what has been disclosed.

Meanwhile, the family has used a GoFundMe page to share their story and raise funds for their son's continued care. Their account provides a personal perspective on the harrowing experience, emphasizing the emotional toll of the incident and the need for greater awareness regarding child safety and substance use. As the legal and medical inquiries proceed, the community remains deeply affected by the unfolding narrative, highlighting the importance of vigilance and responsibility in ensuring the well-being of children.