Toddler found alive in morgue after being declared dead
One family's nightmare was cut short when it became apparent that their toddler was mistakenly pronounced dead.
A swimming pool 'drowning' incident occurred on Super Bowl Sunday back in February of this year, with little Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino discovered face down in the water as his family hosted a party.
Upon being transported to Arizona's Mercy Gilbert Medical Centre, the 18-month-old was deemed to be deceased by the physician tasked with saving his life, Aryan Toosi.
A police report notes how Vincent's family thought he was still alive, having heard him clutching for air.
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Solidifying their concerns, detectives at the hospital heard 'another audible gasp' from the kid as nurses prepared to move his body into the fridge.
Bodycam footage shows Dr Toosi waving away any suggestion that the boy was breathing (per The Mirror).
"Please do your thing and let me do my thing," he told attending police. "I went to medical school for a reason. If there's no objections, I'd like to call time of death."
Five hours after the doctor's final decision, a transporter from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office arrived to pick up Vincent's body.
The thing is, he was definitely still alive and so Vincent had to be air-ambulanced to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where he received emergency treatment.
Even though his mother and father can thank the heavens that their son is safe, the Gilbert Police Department has reportedly recommended that they face child abuse charges in connection to his near-drowning.
It is believed that they were unaware Vincent had toddled off to the pool while the Super Bowl was playing on TV.
"Both admitted to smoking marijuana the morning of the drowning," an investigative report noted.
Following this traumatic experience, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover the cost of Vincent's various medical needs.
The target is set at $24,000 (£17,893), with donations reaching almost $21k (£15.6k) thus far.
A description reads: "Doctors warned the family that Vincent's organs were shutting down. His kidneys, lungs, and liver were all struggling. An MRI was ordered later that day to determine brain activity and potential damage.
"The results came back showing only two tiny 'pencil‑dot' areas of potential brain damage, and doctors expressed grave concern. They explained that the next 72 hours would be critical for Vincent's survival and neurological outcome. But once again, Vincent continued to fight.
"On Thursday, February 12, at 1:45pm, a follow‑up MRI brought a wave of hope the family desperately needed. By the grace of God, the results showed no brain damage. Only a small area of bruising was found, which doctors believe may cause minor balance issues—issues that Vincent's young brain is expected to compensate for as he grows. Despite this miracle, Vincent still faces a long and challenging recovery. He will need extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring, and support for his healing organs.
"Between emergency care, air transport, ICU treatment, MRIs, organ support, and the long-term therapy ahead, the financial burden is immense. This GoFundMe has been created to help ease that burden so the family can focus on what matters most: supporting Vincent as he continues to defy the odds. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference."
Dan Seddon