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Toddler Found Alive in Morgue After Doctor's Pronouncement
3 Jul
Summary
- Toddler was pronounced dead by a doctor at a hospital.
- He was found alive hours later in the hospital's morgue.
- The child suffered permanent brain damage after a near-drowning.
An 18-month-old toddler in Gilbert, Arizona, was found alive in a hospital morgue after being pronounced dead earlier that day. The child had been brought to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center following a near-drowning in his family's pool on February 8th.
A doctor at the hospital incorrectly concluded the toddler had drowned and pronounced him deceased. However, police bodycam footage and reports detail how medical staff later discovered signs of life, including audible breathing and a pulse, while the child was in the facility's cold room.
Despite insistent claims from nurses and officers about observed life signs, the doctor allegedly dismissed these concerns, asserting medical authority. Further diagnostic tests, including an MRI, eventually confirmed the toddler had survived the incident but sustained permanent brain damage.
The hospital has stated it is conducting a thorough review of the care provided to identify areas for improvement. The doctor involved is not facing criminal charges. The family is reportedly working with the medical center.
