Additional Coverage:
A 1-year-old boy in Arizona, initially declared dead at a hospital, was later discovered alive in the morgue, prompting his family to pursue legal action.
Vincent Fiordilino’s parents are under investigation for potential child abuse after admitting to marijuana use and inadequate supervision during a Super Bowl gathering. Vincent was found face down in a pool, and emergency responders transported him to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where a doctor pronounced him dead.
Bodycam footage reveals that Dr. Toosi declared Vincent deceased at 6:20 p.m., but shortly afterward, both the child’s mother and a nurse noticed signs of life. A police report noted that Vincent’s chest and stomach appeared to be rising and falling, indicating possible breathing.
When confronted with this information, Dr. Toosi reportedly responded dismissively, emphasizing his medical authority.
Several hours later, just before midnight, medical staff at the morgue detected a pulse and breathing. Vincent was then transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe complications from the near-drowning incident.
According to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support Vincent’s recovery, the toddler experienced kidney, lung, and liver failure. While initial MRI scans suggested minor brain damage, subsequent tests showed no brain impairment. Vincent continues to require extensive therapy and medical monitoring.
Neither the doctor nor the parents have been formally charged. The doctor’s attorney declined to comment, and the hospital has stated it conducted a thorough review following the incident. A spokesperson for Dignity Health emphasized the seriousness of the situation and affirmed their commitment to patient safety, while respecting patient privacy and ongoing communication with the family.
This case raises significant concerns about hospital protocols and patient care in critical situations, as Vincent’s survival highlights a rare and troubling medical oversight.