Investigation Underway for Near-Drowning and Declared Death Error of Arizona Toddler

An Arizona toddler was pronounced dead on Super Bowl Sunday at 6:20 p.m. He was later found breathing in a hospital morgue at 11:52 p.m., leading to an investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Incident Overview

The incident involved 18-month-old Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, who nearly drowned in a pool. Just hours after being declared dead, he was found alive. The city of Gilbert Police Department confirmed his survival and subsequent hospital release.

Parental Responsibility and Legal Considerations

The police department has recommended charging his parents with child abuse. It was suggested they may not have realized Vincent wandered off due to potential impairment from marijuana or other substances. Both admitted to smoking marijuana the morning of the incident, according to a police report obtained by KPNX.

Hospital Inquiry

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center conducted an internal investigation but hasn’t disclosed its findings. Questions about the doctor who mistakenly pronounced the boy dead went unanswered. The doctor, identified in the report as A. Toosi, allegedly defended his actions when questioned by police.

Doctor’s Actions Under Scrutiny

Dr. Aryan Toosi, affiliated with the hospital, was involved. He referred requests for comment to lawyer Scott Holden, who hasn’t responded. The police report mentions a disagreement between Dr. Toosi and a Gilbert police officer about the decision to declare the boy dead.

Family Response and Medical Condition

The family set up a crowdfunding page for medical expenses. Vincent, though still requiring a ventilator, avoided serious brain damage. He will need continuing medical care and therapy.

Detailed Timeline of Events

The events began with a 911 call at 5:38 p.m. on February 8. An ER team tried to save him at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Despite being declared dead by Dr. Toosi at 6:20 p.m., others observed Vincent gasping for breath.

Later, a detective heard another gasp as preparations were made to move Vincent to the morgue. When the medical examiner’s team arrived hours later, Vincent was found breathing. He was then airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.