An Arizona toddler who was declared dead after nearly drowning was discovered alive hours later in a hospital morgue, according to Gilbert police.
The 18-month-old boy, identified as Vincent Fiordilino, slipped into a backyard swimming pool unnoticed during a Super Bowl party earlier this year in Gilbert. His parents later admitted to smoking marijuana during the gathering, and investigators say the child went unsupervised because both were impaired. Guests found the boy floating face down in the pool.
First responders rushed Vincent to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where a doctor pronounced him dead that evening. Hours later, around 11:30 p.m., hospital staff discovered the toddler breathing in the morgue. He was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital for treatment. Vincent's kidneys, lungs and liver began shutting down, and an initial MRI showed possible brain damage, but later tests reportedly found none. He continues to require extensive therapy and monitoring as he recovers, according to family updates.
Gilbert police have recommended felony child abuse charges against the parents. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case, and no charges have been filed yet. The hospital conducted an internal review and said it made changes to strengthen care.
The incident has highlighted water safety risks during gatherings and the importance of constant supervision around pools, especially with young children. No other injuries were reported.
Vincent's family described him as a "miracle baby" in a GoFundMe campaign supporting his recovery.
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