Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 5
Arizona Police Seek Felony Charges Over 18-Month-Old's Near-Drowning After Morgue Survival
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 5

Arizona Police Seek Felony Charges Over 18-Month-Old's Near-Drowning After Morgue Survival

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 5

Summary

  • Arizona police recommended felony child abuse charges against the parents of 18-month-old Vincent Fiordilino, whose near-drowning case drew national attention after he was declared dead and later found alive in a hospital morgue.
  • Investigators say Vincent slipped out of view at a Super Bowl party and was found face down in a backyard pool; both parents allegedly admitted using marijuana, and police say their impairment left the toddler unsupervised.
  • Police reports say a doctor at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center pronounced Vincent dead and told staff to stop lifesaving efforts despite concerns from officers and his parents that he was still breathing; a nurse later detected a pulse.
  • Around 7:23 p.m., Vincent had already been moved to the morgue before staff found him alive and breathing, after which he was airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
  • The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing the charging request, while the hospital says it conducted a review and made changes; no charges were recommended against the physician.

Insights

Declared dead by a doctor, but alive. Why did only his parents face felony charges for the near-drowning?
How can a child be pronounced dead and found breathing? What systemic medical changes has this case inspired?
From a morgue to a 'miracle.' Years later, how has Vincent Fiordilino's life unfolded after his impossible survival?