A doctor’s misjudgment leads to a heartbreaking near-drowning incident under investigation
Category: Health
In a shocking turn of events, an 18-month-old toddler was found alive in a hospital morgue nearly six hours after being pronounced dead at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, on February 8, 2026. The incident has sparked an investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, as details surrounding the near-drowning and the subsequent medical misjudgment continue to emerge.
According to reports, the boy, identified as Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, was discovered floating face down in his family’s pool during a Super Bowl party at around 5:30 p.m. After frantic efforts by family members to revive him with CPR, emergency services were called. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead by Dr. Aryan Toosi at approximately 6:20 p.m.
The situation escalated when, about five hours later, the boy’s parents, who were being questioned by police, learned that their son was still alive in the morgue. This shocking discovery has raised serious questions about the medical care provided at the hospital and the circumstances leading to the declaration of death.
Initial police reports reveal that the toddler had been submerged in the pool for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before being rescued. Upon arrival at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, medical staff attempted to revive him, but Dr. Toosi declared him dead shortly after 6:20 p.m. The doctor’s decision was met with skepticism from both the child’s parents and police officers present at the scene, who noted that the child appeared to be gasping for breath even after the time of death was called.
One police officer reported hearing audible gasps from the toddler, which were dismissed by Dr. Toosi, who reportedly insisted on his expertise, stating, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing. I went to medical school for a reason." This assertion came after a nurse indicated that she had detected a pulse, but the doctor disregarded her concerns.
As per the police report, after the child was moved to the morgue, officers continued to observe signs of life. One officer documented that he heard another audible gasp and remarked, "The release of air was audible and visible." These observations contradicted the doctor’s earlier declaration, raising alarms about the accuracy of the medical assessment.
The incident occurred on Super Bowl Sunday, a day when many families gather for celebrations, often leading to distractions. In this case, both parents reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day, which may have impaired their ability to supervise their child effectively. According to the police report, this impairment could explain how Vincent wandered off to the pool unnoticed.
Following the incident, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center confirmed it had initiated an internal investigation into the matter, describing the situation as "heartbreaking." The hospital has not released specific findings from this investigation nor confirmed whether Dr. Toosi remains on staff. A spokesperson for the facility stated, "Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority," emphasizing the hospital's commitment to addressing the situation.
As the investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues, the Gilbert Police Department has recommended that the boy's parents face child abuse charges. They are currently reviewing the case, which has drawn considerable public attention due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the toddler’s near-drowning and subsequent misdiagnosis.
As of now, Vincent has been released from the hospital but is expected to require lifelong medical care due to brain damage sustained during the drowning incident. His family has set up a crowdfunding page to assist with the medical costs, highlighting the financial burden they now face.
The case remains under scrutiny as authorities work to determine the appropriate legal actions against the parents and assess the hospital's protocols for handling such emergencies. The doctor involved, Dr. Toosi, is not facing criminal charges at this time, but the situation raises broader questions about accountability and patient safety in medical practices.
With the investigation still active, the community watches closely for updates. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has indicated that a decision on potential charges against the parents will be forthcoming, and the hospital's findings from its internal review may lead to changes in operational protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in childcare and the potential consequences of medical misjudgments. The family’s ordeal highlights the need for comprehensive reviews of both parental supervision and medical procedures in emergency settings.
As the situation develops, the Gilbert community hopes for the best outcome for Vincent and his family, with many expressing their support through the crowdfunding initiative. The family remains grateful for the outpouring of community support during this challenging time.
The Gilbert Police Department is expected to provide updates on the investigation in the coming weeks, as the community seeks answers and accountability for the events that unfolded on that fateful Super Bowl Sunday.