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Mom questions doctor's call after toddler found alive in morgue
An Arizona mother is demanding answers after her 18-month-old son was pronounced dead at a hospital, only to be discovered alive in the hospital morgue more than five hours later. Newly reviewed medical records are raising questions about the emergency room doctor’s decisions and the timeline of critical tests.
The child, Vincent Fiordilino, was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona, on February 8, 2026, after being found unresponsive in his family’s swimming pool. Despite efforts to save him, a doctor declared him dead at approximately 6:20 p.m.
But the situation took a shocking turn later that night when a medical examiner’s transport arrived to collect the child and discovered he was still breathing.
Vincent was then taken for further treatment at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. His mother, Alexus Fiordilino, has since spoken publicly about the ordeal and the questions her family continues to face.
Medical Records Raise Questions About the Doctor’s Decision
According to records reviewed by ABC15 Investigators, questions have emerged about the timing of a blood gas test and whether its results were available when the doctor pronounced Vincent dead.
The test was intended to help assess the child’s condition by measuring aspects of his blood chemistry, including acidity and oxygen-related indicators. Records reportedly show that the doctor cited the blood gas results in explaining the decision, while the documented timeline indicates the results were received after the time of death was called.
The family’s attorney, John Brewer, has questioned whether the medical team adequately evaluated Vincent before ending resuscitation efforts. The family is also seeking answers about whether additional assessments and warming measures should have been considered.
The records have prompted further scrutiny of the events inside the emergency department, including reports that hospital staff and police officers noticed possible signs of life around the time Vincent was pronounced dead.
Officers and Family Members Reported Possible Signs of Life
Police reports and body-camera footage reviewed by ABC15 describe concerns about Vincent’s condition before and after the declaration of death. According to the records, an officer attempted to alert the doctor after a nurse reportedly indicated that a pulse had been detected.
The reports also describe apparent gasping or air-release sounds after Vincent was declared dead. Some hospital staff reportedly characterized the sounds as agonal breathing, which can occur during severe medical emergencies and does not necessarily indicate effective breathing.
Nevertheless, Vincent was transported to the hospital’s morgue, where he remained for more than five hours before being found alive.
His mother recalled the emotional trauma of believing she had lost her son and later learning he was still alive. She has also described the lasting impact of the incident on Vincent and her family.
Hospital and Doctor Respond to the Case
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, part of Dignity Health, described the situation as heartbreaking and said it had conducted a review of the care provided. The hospital cited patient privacy when declining to discuss specific details, while stating that patient safety remains a priority.
An attorney representing the doctor, Aryan Toosi, said the physician’s thoughts were with Vincent and his family and wished the child continued healing and recovery. The attorney declined to discuss the details of the case, citing pending litigation and patient privacy laws.
Gilbert police previously said their investigation did not establish probable cause for criminal conduct by medical personnel. Authorities indicated the case would be referred to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for review.
Family Seeks Answers About Vincent’s Future
Vincent survived the incident but suffered significant brain injuries and faces long-term medical needs, according to reporting by ABC15. His family continues to seek accountability and answers about what happened during the hours when he was mistakenly pronounced dead.
The case has raised serious questions about the procedures used to determine death, how concerns from other medical personnel are handled, and whether the child’s condition was fully assessed before treatment was stopped.
As the family pursues answers, the precise sequence of medical decisions remains central to understanding how Vincent came to be placed in a morgue while still alive.
Source: ABC 15 Arizona
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