An 18-month-old boy in Arizona was found alive and breathing in a hospital morgue nearly five and a half hours after a doctor mistakenly declared him dead. The incident occurred on February 8 in Gilbert, Arizona, when emergency crews responded to a call about a toddler found in a pool.
Emergency medical services transported the child to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Shortly after arrival, a doctor pronounced the toddler dead. However, medical staff later discovered the child was alive when preparing to move him to the morgue.
A police report detailed an interaction between a police officer and the physician before the child was pronounced dead. The officer reported hearing a nurse state the child had a pulse and relayed this information to the doctor. According to the report, the doctor responded assertively, stating his medical qualifications and instructing the officer to allow him to proceed.
Officers on the scene documented signs of life, including audible and visible exhalations from the child. One officer noted observing what appeared to be gasping sounds as medical staff prepared to move the child. Similar observations were reportedly made by a female officer who was present in the morgue.
A spokesperson for Mercy Gilbert Medical Center acknowledged the situation, stating, "This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care." The hospital also stated it is working with the family and their representative and cannot discuss specific details out of respect for patient privacy.
Following the discovery, the toddler was transported to Phoenix Children's Hospital for treatment. According to MRI results, the child suffered severe brain damage and will require lifelong medical care.
