A toddler discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb in February was declared dead before being found breathing hours later in a room that serves as the hospital morgue, according to recently released police records.
Investigation and Aftermath
Gilbert police are recommending negligence charges against the parents. Investigators said there was a strong odor of marijuana at the home and open doors that could have allowed unsupervised access to the pool.
The boy ultimately survived and has been released. A GoFundMe page was created to help the boy’s family with medical bills, stating that the toddler would need extensive therapy.
Medical Explanation
Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist, said that mistaken death declarations are rare, but they do happen. She explained that determining death depends on a doctor’s skill and training, and policies may differ from hospital to hospital.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
