Toddler declared dead after drowning found alive in hospital cold room

An 18-month-old toddler who was pulled from a backyard pool in Gilbert, Arizona, and declared dead at a hospital was discovered breathing hours later in a hospital morgue room, according to newly released police records. The boy, named "baby Vincent" in a GoFundMe page, survived and has been released from the hospital. Source: AP News

What happened

On February 8, first responders performed life-saving measures after the child was found face-down in the pool. He was taken to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. by Dr. Aryan Toosi. Two police officers reported seeing possible signs of life, but the doctor allegedly told them, "Please do your thing and let me do my thing. I went to medical school for a reason." Source: BBC About five hours later, a transporter from the medical examiner's office found the boy breathing in the "cold room" and he was flown to another hospital. Source: CNN

Investigation and reaction

Gilbert police are recommending negligence charges against the parents, citing a strong odor of marijuana at the home and open doors that may have allowed unsupervised pool access. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case. Source: The Guardian The hospital said it conducted a thorough review and called it "a heartbreaking situation." Source: AP News Dr. Toosi's attorney, Scott Holden, stated that "there is much more to this case, both factually and medically, than has been reported thus far." Source: CNN

What's next

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office has not yet decided on charges. The family's GoFundMe page said the toddler would need extensive therapy. Source: The Guardian