Arizona Toddler Declared Dead Was Found Alive in Hospital Morgue

GILBERT, AZ — An Arizona toddler who was declared dead after being pulled from a backyard swimming pool was found alive about five hours later in a hospital morgue, according to police records.

The child was found face down in a backyard pool around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2026, according to a Gilbert Police Department report. Officers accompanied the child to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where hospital staff continued lifesaving efforts.

A doctor declared the toddler dead at approximately 6:20 p.m. Recently obtained body camera video captured the physician saying, "If there's no objections, I'd like to call time of death. Time of death 18:20. Moment of silence."

According to the police report, several people, including the child's parents and responding officers, questioned whether the child was still breathing after the death was pronounced. One officer reported hearing what sounded like gasping, while a nurse said the movement was agonal breathing, an involuntary reflex that can occur near or after death.

The child was taken to the hospital morgue about an hour later. Police records indicate signs of life continued to be apparent. About five hours after the death was declared, a transporter with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office discovered the toddler was breathing. The child was then transported to another hospital for treatment.

In a statement, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center said it conducted "a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided" to determine what happened and implement changes.

"This is a heartbreaking situation," the statement said. "We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority."

Hospital officials declined to discuss additional details, citing the patient's privacy.