A toddler found in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb was declared dead but was later discovered breathing in a hospital morgue room, as per police records. Two police officers noticed signs of life, yet the child was brought to the hospital’s morgue after medical staff treatment.
Responders went to the home at approximately 5:30 p.m. on February 8 due to a drowning report. They performed resuscitation efforts on the child before he was pronounced dead about an hour later at the hospital.
Five hours later, the child was found breathing, prompting a helicopter transfer to another hospital. The boy survived and was discharged. Parents Face Charges
The Gilbert police suggest negligence charges against the parents. Investigators reported a noticeable marijuana odor and open doors at the home, allowing pool access for the toddler. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case.
In frantic 911 calls, two relatives reported the child was pulled from the pool. No one answered at the home when contacted for comments by reporters.
Hospital’s Review Of Care
The Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where the toddler was taken, conducted a detailed review of the care given, expressing a desire for improvements in care provision.
A medical examiner’s team entering the morgue discovered the child was breathing and took swift action to transfer him to another hospital.
Doctor’s Defense Pending
Scott Holden, attorney for Dr. Aryan Toosi, stated there are more details, both factual and medical, not yet reported.
Support for the Family
A GoFundMe page was launched to help with the child’s medical costs, indicating ongoing extensive therapy needs.
Previous Similar Incidents
Mistaken death reports, while rare, occur occasionally. Notably, in 2020, Timesha Beauchamp, a 20-year-old from Michigan, was mistakenly declared dead but was later found alive at a funeral home. The family later settled a lawsuit with the city for $3.25 million.
Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist, explained mistaken death declarations happen more with the elderly. She emphasized the need for accurate death criteria to avoid such situations, usually involving no heartbeat, breathing, or brain activity.