Arizona toddler declared dead revived in morgue, family alleges medical negligence
An 18-month-old boy in Gilbert was pronounced dead at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, later found breathing in the morgue, leading his parents to accuse the ER doctor of mishandling his care.
Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, an 18-month-old from Gilbert, Arizona, was rescued from his pool and rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where emergency physician Dr Aryan Toosi pronounced him dead at 6:20 pm. Five and a half hours after the declaration, staff found the child breathing in the morgue and transferred him to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where an MRI revealed extensive, permanent brain damage. Alexus and Angelo Fiordilino allege that Dr Toosi relied on a blood-gas test and omitted basic warming and temperature checks, leading to the premature death pronouncement.
Police officers on scene reported hearing a pulse and a gasp, while the doctor reportedly ordered cessation of CPR. The family’s lawyer, John Brewer, is seeking accountability, and the investigation has been forwarded to the state Attorney General’s Office for further review.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential fatal errors in emergency medical protocols and raises questions about hospital accountability.
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