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Florida Pool Death: Autopsy Reveals Smothering
26 Feb
Summary
- Child's autopsy showed dry lungs, ruling out drowning.
- Autopsy findings indicated asphyxiation by smothering.
- Deceased child was placed in pool after death, officials say.

In the early morning of June 27, 2025, emergency services responded to a call from Neha Gupta in El Portal, Florida, reporting her four-year-old daughter, Aria Talathi, found at the bottom of their vacation rental's pool. Despite life-saving efforts and transport to a hospital, Aria could not be saved.
An autopsy conducted by the medical examiner revealed that Aria's lungs and stomach were dry, effectively ruling out drowning as the cause of death. Further examination showed cuts and bruising on the child's face, consistent with asphyxiation by smothering.
These autopsy findings starkly contrasted with Gupta's statement to authorities. She claimed she and her daughter fell asleep and later discovered Aria unresponsive in the pool. Officials determined that Aria had already passed away before being placed in the water.
The child's father, Dr. Saurabh Talathi, stated he was unaware Aria had been taken from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and revealed an ongoing custody dispute with Gupta. The investigation into Aria Talathi's death is continuing.




