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Arizona toddler found alive in morgue after being declared dead from drowning

July 8, 2026

An 18-month-old child in Gilbert, Arizona was pulled from a backyard pool unresponsive and transported to a hospital where a doctor officially declared him dead approximately an hour after the incident. Five hours after the pronouncement, a medical examiner's transporter discovered the toddler was still breathing in the hospital's morgue cold room. The child was then airlifted to another facility where he recovered and was eventually released.

Who is affected

  • The 18-month-old toddler who nearly drowned
  • The child's parents (facing potential negligence charges)
  • Family members who were gathered at the home
  • Dr. Aryan Toosi, the physician who declared the child dead
  • First responders and police officers who witnessed signs of life
  • Mercy Gilbert Medical Center staff
  • The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office transporter who discovered the child alive

What action is being taken

  • Police are recommending negligence charges against the parents
  • Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is conducting a thorough review of all aspects of care provided
  • The hospital is making meaningful changes to strengthen their care procedures

Why it matters

  • This case represents a catastrophic medical error where a living child was mistakenly declared dead and sent to a morgue, raising serious questions about medical protocols, physician competence, and the verification procedures used to confirm death. The incident highlights potential breakdowns in communication between first responders and medical staff, as officers reportedly informed the doctor of signs of life but were dismissed. Additionally, it underscores the life-or-death importance of proper patient assessment and the devastating consequences when medical professionals fail to conduct thorough examinations before pronouncing death.

What's next

  • The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will decide whether to press charges against the parents
  • Mercy Gilbert Medical Center will implement changes based on their review findings

Read full article from source: BBC