Arizona Toddler’s Near-Miraculous Survival Sparks Investigation

An alarming incident unfolded on Super Bowl Sunday involving an Arizona toddler, Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, who was initially pronounced dead but later discovered breathing in a hospital morgue. The events leading up to the near-drowning and the subsequent medical misdiagnosis are now under investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Investigation Underway

The City of Gilbert Police Department confirmed the child survived and has been discharged from the hospital. However, they have suggested the county attorney charge the parents with child abuse. According to a police report sourced by local NBC affiliate KPNX, the parents might not have noticed their son wandering to the pool, potentially impairing their awareness due to marijuana or other mind-altering substances. Both parents admitted to using marijuana on the morning of the incident.

Hospital’s Internal Probe

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has conducted an internal investigation into what they describe as a heartbreaking situation. Despite this, the hospital has not disclosed the findings nor commented on whether the doctor who mistakenly declared the boy dead is still employed. Identified as Dr. A. Toosi in the police report, he allegedly dismissed concerns raised by law enforcement during the erroneous death pronouncement.

Doctor Under Scrutiny

Dr. Aryan Toosi, linked to the hospital, referred NBC News to his attorney, Scott Holden, who has not responded to inquiries. Confusion surrounding the doctor’s actions persisted, with an officer detailing in the report that Dr. Toosi seemed unyielding despite signs of life in the child.

Ongoing Medical Needs

The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cope with the mounting medical expenses for Vincent. Although the child is now breathing with a ventilator, he has avoided severe brain damage. He will, however, require continuous medical care and significant therapy.

Sequence of Events

The dramatic series of events began with a 911 call placed at 5:38 p.m. on Feb. 8, reporting a toddler found face down in a pool. A relative performed CPR before emergency services transported the boy to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. The attending team, involving Dr. Toosi, worked to revive him.

At 6:13 p.m., Toosi reportedly checked the time on a phone before informing the parents of the grim prognosis. He then expressed a desire to declare time of death. Witnesses, including the parents and police at the scene, indicated the child appeared to gasp for air even after being declared dead.

At approximately 7:18 p.m., a detective observed another audible gasp as staff prepared to move the child to the hospital morgue. The detective later noted, while photographing the body, what seemed to be another gasp but was reassured by a nurse that it was an unconscious reflex.

The cold room’s door closed at 7:23 p.m. Yet, over four hours later, at 11:52 p.m., staff from the medical examiner’s office found Vincent breathing. The boy was urgently transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the family received immediate notification.