An 18-month-old toddler who was pronounced dead following a February drowning incident in a Phoenix suburb was later discovered alive in a hospital morgue, according to police records. First responders had transported the child to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center on Feb. 8 after he was pulled from a backyard pool; although staff declared him dead, a medical examiner’s team found the boy breathing hours later in the facility’s “cold room.”
The child was subsequently flown to another hospital and has since been released, according to reports. While the boy survived, the incident has prompted a review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and recommendations from Gilbert police for negligence charges against the parents.
Events at the Hospital
Police documents indicate that two Gilbert police officers reported observing possible signs of life in the toddler multiple times after he arrived at the hospital. Despite these observations, medical staff proceeded with the declaration of death and moved the child to the facility’s morgue area. During the incident, Dr. Aryan Toosi reportedly told an officer, “Please do your thing and let me do my thing. I went to medical school for a reason.”
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center released a statement confirming they conducted a “thorough review” of the care provided, describing the event as “a heartbreaking situation.” Scott Holden, an attorney representing Dr. Toosi, stated that there is “much more to this case, both factually and medically,” than has been publicly reported, though he declined to provide a full statement.
The incident in Gilbert is not the only recorded case of a mistaken death declaration. In 2020, 20-year-old Timesha Beauchamp was declared dead by a doctor over the phone in Southfield, Michigan, only to be found gasping for air later that day by funeral home staff.
Why the Investigation is Ongoing
Gilbert police investigators cited environmental factors at the family’s home as the basis for their recommendation of negligence charges. Police reports noted a “strong odor of marijuana” at the residence and open doors that may have allowed the toddler unsupervised access to the pool area. A GoFundMe page established for the child, referred to as “baby Vincent,” notes that he requires extensive therapy following the near-drowning.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Judy Melinek notes that while mistaken death declarations are rare, they typically stem from either inexperienced personnel or significant policy failures. Melinek emphasizes that medical professionals are expected to verify the absence of heartbeats, breathing, and neurological activity before declaring a patient dead, and in cases of shallow or intermittent breathing, standard practice requires waiting to ensure clinical accuracy.
What Happens Next
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the findings submitted by the Gilbert Police Department to determine if criminal charges will be filed against the parents. Additionally, the legal representation for Dr. Toosi suggests that more information regarding the medical decision-making process may emerge as the case progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of the child?
The toddler survived the incident, was flown to a second hospital for care, and has since been released.
Are the parents facing legal action?
Gilbert police have recommended negligence charges against the parents, and the case is currently under review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
How did the hospital respond to the incident?
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center stated they conducted a thorough review of the care provided and are working to make changes to strengthen their processes.
How should hospitals balance standard medical protocols with the need for immediate, life-saving intervention in crisis situations?