Family Demands Answers After Toddler Declared Dead Was Found Alive and Breathing Inside Hospital Morgue
The family of an Arizona toddler found alive in a morgue after being declared dead is demanding answers from the hospital and the doctor involved. Vincent Fiordilino, 18 months, was pronounced dead at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in February after being pulled from a family pool, then found breathing more than five hours later. His mother has now given her first interview.
Super Bowl Sunday Emergency Ends in a Pronouncement
Vincent was rushed to hospital on 8 February 2026, Super Bowl Sunday, after being found in the family's pool in Gilbert. Police records and body-camera footage obtained by ABC15 show officers observing apparent signs of life after he was pronounced dead. Dr Aryan Toosi called the time of death at 6.20pm.
Months after a toddler was pronounced dead “in error” at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and later found breathing inside the hospital morgue, the little boy’s family is raising questions about the decisions made by that emergency room doctor. pic.twitter.com/uHgMJkULkT
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) October 20, 2026
Alexus Fiordilino told reporters that the doctor returned within minutes and said the boy's pH levels were too high, that bringing him back would not give him a good life, and that he thought it best to call the time. She said she begged for her son to come back and hugged him goodbye.
Key facts: Vincent was pronounced dead at 6.20pm on 8 February 2026. A medical examiner's transporter found him breathing in the hospital's cold room more than five hours later, and he was rushed to Phoenix Children's Hospital. He is now in physical therapy and will need lifelong care, his family's attorney says.
Blood Test Timing Now Under Scrutiny
Records reviewed by ABC15 appear to show that Dr Toosi did not receive the blood-gas results until 6.38pm, 18 minutes after he pronounced Vincent dead at 6.20pm. The family is questioning when the results became available.
The family's attorney, John Brewer, said Toosi later cited the blood gas as part of his medical reasoning. Brewer believes there were warning signs and missteps that day, and that Vincent was pronounced dead in error.
Vincent's mother, Alexus Fiordilino, said relatives questioned whether her son was still breathing before he was taken to the morgue. She said they were told the sound was normal. 'He was alone for five and a half hours,' she said.
Hospital Silent as Police Find No Probable Cause
A Dignity Health communications staff member said it was a heartbreaking situation and that patient privacy prevented the hospital from sharing information. Toosi's attorney, Scott Holden, did not answer questions about the timeline.
In a statement, he said pending litigation and patient privacy laws prevented comment on the care provided, and that the doctor wishes the child continued recovery.
Gilbert police said their investigation found insufficient grounds to forward criminal charges against medical personnel. The case has been referred to the Arizona Attorney General's Office for review, although police have not provided a timeline for its completion.