Key facts
- A toddler was found in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb and initially declared dead.
- The child was taken to a hospital's 'cold room' morgue but was found breathing hours later.
- Medical staff and police officers observed signs of life before the child was pronounced dead.
- The toddler ultimately survived and has been released from the hospital.
- Police are recommending negligence charges against the parents.
A toddler discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb in February was declared dead, only to be found breathing hours later in the hospital's morgue. Police records indicate that medical staff and officers observed signs of life, but the child was still taken to the hospital's 'cold room' after treatment. The incident occurred on February 8, when police and fire officials were dispatched to the home following a reported drowning. After performing life-saving measures, the child was taken to a local hospital where medical staff attempted resuscitation before pronouncing him dead. Approximately five hours later, police were informed the child was breathing and he was flown to another hospital. He has since survived and been released. Gilbert police are recommending negligence charges against the parents, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case.