Toddler found alive in hospital morgue after being mistakenly pronounced dead by doctor

GILBERT, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A toddler in Arizona was discovered to be alive in the morgue of a hospital after being pronounced dead by a doctor hours earlier.

The 18-month-old was pulled from a backyard swimming pool during a Super Bowl party around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8.

According to the police report, the toddler had been floating face down in the pool for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

A 911 call from the scene captured a family member frantically reporting the moment and describing relatives performing CPR.

Once first responders arrived on scene, the baby was rushed to the hospital.

At 6:20 p.m., a doctor pronounced him dead and his parents said goodbye.

About five hours later, while the parents were being questioned by detectives at a police station, they learned their son was still alive.

Police records describe how the critical error occurred. According to the report, as the doctor went to notify the parents of their son’s death, a nurse said, “I have a pulse.”

When an officer alerted the doctor, he allegedly “arrogantly” said “he was the doctor, he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing,” the report states.

Police witnessed the doctor tell hospital staff to stop performing life-saving measures due to the child’s condition. Several nurses left the emergency room in tears after the time of death was called.

Both parents and police expressed concern that the child appeared to still be breathing, noting multiple gasps for air. Nurses said the gasps were “agonal breathing.” An hour after the boy was declared dead, an officer heard another gasp.

The boy was taken to the morgue. Just before midnight, medical examiner staff arrived to move his body and found he was still breathing. He was then airlifted to the hospital.

The doctor who made the error is not facing criminal charges.

A Dignity Health spokesperson released the following statement:

“This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care. Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”

The most recent update from police on the toddler’s condition is that he may have brain damage but has been released from the hospital.

The boy’s parents, who have two other young children, could face child abuse charges.

According to the police report, both the mother and father admitted to smoking marijuana and not watching their son closely during the party.