A near-tragedy unfolded on Super Bowl Sunday when an 18-month-old boy, Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, was found unresponsive in his family's backyard pool. Harrowing 911 calls obtained by The California Post reveal the desperate moments as family members attempted to save the toddler before first responders arrived.
During the calls, operators could be heard guiding the distressed family through CPR compressions. "I just found my nephew in the pool," a male caller stated shakily. The pool water was reportedly around 57 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the incident. In a second call, screams were audible as a female caller breathlessly requested an ambulance, explaining that her nephew had fallen into the pool. She indicated the family was trying to perform CPR and was unsure how long the toddler had been submerged.
Officers arriving at the scene observed what appeared to be signs of life before Vincent was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Police records indicate a doctor declared him dead. However, hours later, a medical examiner en route to the morgue discovered a faint heartbeat. The toddler was then airlifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Initial diagnoses on February 9th were dire, with doctors reporting organ shutdown and brain damage. However, subsequent MRIs showed no brain damage, only a minor bruise that his developing brain was expected to overcome. A February 14th update noted the toddler was breathing with ventilator assistance and was being called a "miracle baby" by medical staff. Despite this progress, the family faces significant medical expenses for ongoing therapy, monitoring, and recovery.
Meanwhile, legal scrutiny has fallen upon Vincent's parents. Police noted a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the residence's garage. A toxicology report indicated the parents tested positive for THC. An investigator stated that this drug use potentially created a "problematic and dangerous situation." The Gilbert Police Department has recommended one felony charge of child abuse against both parents to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The county attorney's office received the recommendation on June 3 and is currently reviewing the case, with no charging decision made as of yet.