Toddler Found Alive in Morgue After Near-Drowning
An 18-month-old boy in Arizona, who was mistakenly declared dead following a near-drowning incident, was discovered alive hours later in a hospital morgue, prompting a review by authorities. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is currently evaluating a recommendation from the Gilbert Police Department to file felony child abuse charges against the toddler’s parents.
Near-Drowning Incident and Initial Declaration of Death
The incident unfolded earlier this year during a Super Bowl party. According to investigators, the child, identified as Vincent Fiordilino, disappeared from his parents’ supervision at the gathering. Guests eventually found him unresponsive and face down in a backyard swimming pool. Following his retrieval from the water, emergency responders transported him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. There, a physician pronounced the child deceased that same evening.
However, the situation took an extraordinary turn several hours later. Medical personnel discovered Vincent was alive and breathing after he had been moved to the hospital’s morgue. This discovery led to Vincent being immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Allegations of Parental Impairment and Medical Discrepancies
A police report obtained indicates that both of Vincent’s parents admitted to using marijuana during the Super Bowl party. Investigators allege that the parents’ impairment from marijuana and potentially other substances contributed to their failure to notice Vincent’s fall into the pool. The report also details questioning by responding officers and Vincent’s parents regarding whether the toddler had truly died before the pronouncement, as they believed he was still exhibiting signs of life.
Sources within the report suggest that hospital staff informed the parents and officers that Vincent was displaying agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex sometimes observed near death. Furthermore, a nurse reportedly detected a pulse after the child had been officially pronounced dead.
Detectives claim that the physician who initially declared Vincent dead maintained the accuracy of his assessment. The report alleges the physician instructed hospital staff to cease life-saving measures, despite concerns raised by Vincent’s parents and police officers who believed the child was still breathing.
The Gilbert Police Department did not recommend criminal charges against the physician involved in the initial pronouncement.
Hospital Review and Family’s Perspective
A spokesperson for Dignity Health, the parent organization of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, stated that the hospital conducted a comprehensive review of the incident. “This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the spokesperson said in a statement. The hospital emphasized its commitment to patient privacy and its ongoing work with the family, reiterating that patient safety and exceptional care are their highest priorities.
A GoFundMe campaign established for the family described Vincent as a “miracle baby” for surviving the ordeal. The fundraiser’s description noted that Vincent was declared deceased and his parents were sent home in profound grief, but that “God had other plans.” The family reportedly received a call late that night indicating a faint heartbeat had been detected by the medical examiner.
Vincent’s Recovery and Ongoing Needs
According to the GoFundMe details, after arriving at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Vincent experienced organ shutdown, with his kidneys, lungs, and liver beginning to fail. Initial MRI scans identified two small areas of potential brain damage; however, subsequent testing reportedly found no evidence of brain damage.
The fundraiser states that Vincent requires ongoing extensive therapy, medical monitoring, and treatment as he continues his recovery. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Gilbert Police Department, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital have been contacted for comment regarding the events and ongoing investigation.
