Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8
Arizona Toddler Survives 5 Hours in Morgue After Doctor Declares Him Dead
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8

Arizona Toddler Survives 5 Hours in Morgue After Doctor Declares Him Dead

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8

Summary

  • Five hours after an 18-month-old was pronounced dead following a pool drowning in Gilbert, an examiner's office transporter found him still breathing in the hospital morgue.
  • Police say officers had already told Dr. Aryan Toosi they saw signs of life, but bodycam-cited remarks in the newly released report show he proceeded to call time of death at 18:20.
  • The child was flown to another hospital, recovered and has since been released, while Mercy Gilbert Medical Center said it reviewed the case and made changes to strengthen care.
  • Investigators are also recommending negligence charges against the parents, citing a strong marijuana smell at the home and possible unsupervised access to the pool; prosecutors have not said whether they will file charges.

Insights

Police blame the parents, but what does this case reveal about the hidden dangers of family pools?
A toddler pronounced dead was found alive. Was this a miracle or a catastrophic medical failure?
When a doctor’s death declaration is wrong, what are the legal consequences for the hospital?