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Transport Worker Finds Toddler Alive After Hospital Death Pronouncement

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 3:31 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mercy Gilbert Misdeclares Death

Mercy Gilbert Hospital doctors declared 18-month-old Vincent Fiordilino dead on Feb. 8, 2026.
Five hours later a transport worker found the toddler breathing under a sheet in the morgue.
Dr. Aryan Toosi said a canceled blood-gas test produced results after he pronounced death.
Attorney John Brewer said Vincent suffered severe, permanent brain injury requiring lifelong care.
The family will sue the hospital.

Summary

Family Starts Fundraiser

The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund Vincent’s extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care.
Police body-camera footage captured Vincent’s audible gasp at 7:18 p.m. as staff moved him to the morgue.
The morgue’s cold room maintains temperatures between 36 °F and 39 °F, per the police report.
Attorney Scott Holden released a statement affirming Dr. Aryan Toosi’s commitment to high-quality care.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the Joint Commission launched the National Patient Safety Goals, a five-goal program that introduced safeguards such as patient-identity verification. The 1999 Institute of Medicine report “To Err Is Human” framed errors as system failures, prompting safety reforms. Mercy Gilbert Hospital’s 2026 infant death after a missed blood-gas test has renewed calls from attorney John Brewer and GoFundMe supporters for stricter oversight.

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Mercy Gilbert Misdeclares Death

Mercy Gilbert Hospital doctors declared 18-month-old Vincent Fiordilino dead on Feb. 8, 2026.
Five hours later a transport worker found the toddler breathing under a sheet in the morgue.
Dr. Aryan Toosi said a canceled blood-gas test produced results after he pronounced death.
Attorney John Brewer said Vincent suffered severe, permanent brain injury requiring lifelong care.
The family will sue the hospital.

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