Gilbert, Arizona- An 18-month-old boy from Gilbert, Arizona was declared dead at a local hospital after drowning in a backyard swimming pool — only to be discovered alive in the morgue more than four hours later. Now his parents are facing felony child abuse charges.
The incident occurred during a Super Bowl party in February, when little Vincent Fiordilino was found floating face-down in the backyard pool. First responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead that evening. His body was transferred to the hospital morgue at approximately 7:23 p.m.
Then, just before midnight, a medical examiner’s team detected a faint heartbeat. Vincent was alive.
According to a police report, both of Vincent’s parents admitted to smoking marijuana at the party and acknowledged they were not closely watching their son at the time he fell into the pool. Investigators allege the boy went unseen entering the water due to his parents’ impaired state of mind from marijuana and possibly other substances.
In a disturbing detail from the police report, a nurse alerted the attending doctor of a pulse before Vincent was moved to the morgue. The doctor reportedly dismissed the concerns and instructed staff to halt lifesaving efforts, insisting on his authority as the treating physician. Officers and family members present said they could see and hear the child taking gasps of air. Police have confirmed the doctor will face no criminal charges.
Vincent was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors found organ stress and two small areas of potential brain damage. Subsequent testing showed no permanent brain damage, and he continues to recover. Doctors say he will require extensive therapy and ongoing medical monitoring.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing whether to formally file the felony child abuse charges against both parents. Investigators have submitted their recommendations for charges.
