Police Say Toddler Pronounced Dead After Near-Drowning Was Found Alive in Hospital Morgue Hours Later

Police in Arizona have asked prosecutors to consider felony child abuse charges against the parents of an 18-month-old boy who authorities say nearly drowned during a Super Bowl party after the couple acknowledged using marijuana and failing to adequately watch him. The toddler’s case later gained national attention when he was incorrectly pronounced dead, only to be discovered alive hours later in a hospital morgue.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is now evaluating the Gilbert Police Department’s charging recommendation involving Vincent Fiordilino’s parents, AZFamily reported. As of now, prosecutors have not filed charges.

According to investigators, Vincent slipped out of his parents’ sight during the gathering and was later found by guests floating face down in a backyard pool. A police report obtained by AZFamily says both parents admitted they had smoked marijuana at the party. Investigators allege the toddler’s entry into the pool went unnoticed because both parents were under the influence of marijuana and/or other mind-altering substances.

Emergency crews rushed Vincent to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center after he was pulled from the pool, and police said a doctor pronounced him dead later that evening. But the situation took a stunning turn several hours later, when hospital staff realized the child was alive and breathing after he had already been moved to the hospital morgue at about 7:23 p.m., according to police. Vincent was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for further care.

The police report states that responding officers and Vincent’s parents raised questions about whether the boy had truly died before the official pronouncement, telling investigators they believed he still appeared to show signs of life. Hospital personnel reportedly explained that Vincent was displaying agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex sometimes seen near death.

The report also says a nurse later indicated she detected a pulse after Vincent had been declared dead. Detectives allege the doctor who initially pronounced the child dead stood by that determination and directed staff to stop resuscitation efforts, even as Vincent’s parents and responding officers expressed concern that he still seemed to be breathing. AZFamily reported that police did not recommend criminal charges against the physician.

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.

News Agency has reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Gilbert Police Department, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Phoenix Children’s Hospital for comment.