Toddler Declared Dead Found Alive
A toddler from Arizona, initially believed to have drowned, was later discovered alive in a hospital morgue. The incident, which occurred in the suburb of Gilbert, has raised questions about the handling of the case by medical personnel and first responders.
Incident Details
The toddler, aged 18 months, was found unresponsive in a swimming pool on February 8, 2026. Family members immediately contacted the authorities after discovering the child in distress. Emergency medical teams arrived on the scene and administered life-saving procedures before transporting the child to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.
Medical Misjudgment
Upon arrival at the hospital, the child was declared dead within an hour. However, a police report reveals that officers at the scene reported signs of life to Dr. Aryan Toosi, the attending physician. Despite this, the doctor proceeded with the declaration of death, stating, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing," as per the report. The situation unfolded while the family was gathered to watch the NFL Super Bowl.
Unanticipated Discovery
Approximately five hours after the child was pronounced dead, personnel from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office discovered the child breathing. The child was then flown to another medical facility for further care and has since recovered and been discharged.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police report lacks medical records, leaving some aspects of the case unclear. In response to inquiries, Dr. Toosi's attorney, Scott Holden, cited patient confidentiality and declined further comment. Police have recommended negligence charges against the parents, citing the presence of marijuana at the home and concerns over the child's unsupervised pool access. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is yet to decide on pursuing charges.
Hospital Review and Response
In light of the incident, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center stated that it has conducted a comprehensive review of the care provided. The hospital has described the incident as "heartbreaking" and aims to implement improvements to prevent similar occurrences. Further details from the hospital have not been disclosed.
Source: Original Article
