An 18-month-old toddler from Arizona who was found face down in a swimming pool was declared dead by medics, only to be discovered alive hours later in a hospital morgue. Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center after the incident on February 8, where doctors pronounced him dead. However, a medical examiner later detected a faint heartbeat while preparing to transport his body.
Emergency Calls Reveal Desperate Efforts
According to recordings of the emergency calls released by US media, the family made two frantic calls to 911 within minutes. In the first call, a man identifying himself as Vincent's uncle said: "I just found my nephew in the pool." When asked if the child was breathing, he replied: "We're not sure." In a second call, a woman yelled: "I'm calling... I'm calling... I need an ambulance." Dispatchers instructed the family on how to perform chest compressions.
Police Noted Signs of Life Before Declaration
The New York Post reported that police records indicated officers believed Vincent showed signs of life before medics declared him dead. A report quoted a doctor who "arrogantly" told a police officer that he was the doctor and should be allowed to "do his thing." Hours after the declaration, a medical examiner arriving to collect the body discovered a faint heartbeat. Vincent was then airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Brain Damage Claim Disproved
An MRI scan later disproved the family's initial claim that doctors said Vincent had suffered brain damage. Instead, the boy sustained only a "minor" bruise to the brain, which doctors said would be overcome as his brain grows. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical costs, stating: "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."
Parents Face Charges
According to the New York Post, police have recommended charges against Vincent's parents after toxicology results reportedly showed they tested positive for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. The incident has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the rare phenomenon of a person declared dead showing signs of life later.
