GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — A toddler who nearly drowned was found alive in a hospital morgue hours after a doctor at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center declared him dead, according to the police report.
According to the family’s attorney, the child’s parents plan to take legal action against the doctor and Dignity Health. Prosecutors are also reviewing the case to determine whether the parents could face child abuse charges.
The near-drowning
Gilbert police received the first 911 call at approximately 5:30 p.m. during a Super Bowl party on February 8 after a mother found her 18-month-old son floating face down in a backyard swimming pool. The boy was rushed to the hospital.
The declaration of death
Police body camera audio captured a voice saying, “No objections, I’d like to call time of death.” Gilbert police identified the doctor as A. Toosi.
According to the police report, Dr. Toosi pronounced the toddler dead in error at 6:20 p.m…