Toddler declared dead after near-drowning was found alive in hospital morgue hours later, police say
Arizona police have recommended felony child abuse charges against the parents of an 18-month-old boy who investigators say nearly drowned after they admitted using marijuana and failed to properly supervise him during a Super Bowl party earlier this year. The child later drew national attention after he was mistakenly declared dead before being found alive hours later in a hospital morgue.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing the Gilbert Police Department's recommendation that Vincent Fiordilino's parents face felony child abuse charges, according to AZFamily. No charges have been filed.
Investigators say Vincent disappeared from his parents' view during the gathering before guests found him floating face down in a backyard swimming pool. According to a police report obtained by AZFamily, both parents later admitted to smoking marijuana during the party. The report alleges Vincent's fall into the pool went unnoticed because both parents were impaired by marijuana and/or other mind-altering substances.
After Vincent was pulled from the water, first responders transported him to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where a doctor pronounced him dead that evening, according to police. The case took an extraordinary turn hours later when medical personnel discovered the toddler was alive and breathing after he had already been transferred to the hospital's morgue around 7:23 p.m., according to police. Vincent was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital for treatment.
The police report alleges responding officers and Vincent's parents questioned whether the toddler had actually died before he was pronounced dead, saying they believed he was still showing signs of life. Hospital staff reportedly told them Vincent was exhibiting agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex that can occur near death.
According to the report, a nurse later reported detecting a pulse after the child had been pronounced dead. Detectives allege the physician who made the initial determination maintained his assessment was correct and instructed hospital staff to stop lifesaving measures despite concerns from Vincent's parents and responding officers that the toddler still appeared to be breathing. Police did not recommend criminal charges against the physician, according to AZFamily.
According to AZFamily, a Dignity Health spokesperson said the hospital conducted a review following 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. "Out of respect for the patient's privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority."
A GoFundMe campaign created for the family described Vincent as a "miracle baby" after he survived the ordeal.
"Vincent was declared deceased," the fundraiser says. "His devastated parents were sent home in unimaginable grief. But God had other plans. A little after 11:30 p.m., the family received a call no one expected: the medical examiner had detected a faint heartbeat."
According to the fundraiser, Vincent's kidneys, lungs and liver began shutting down after he arrived at Phoenix Children's Hospital. An MRI initially identified two small areas of potential brain damage, but later testing reportedly found no brain damage. The fundraiser says Vincent continues to require extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring and treatment as he recovers.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Gilbert Police Department, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Phoenix Children's Hospital for comment.