Easter came a little early for one family in Gilbert, Arizona. On Feb. 8, their 18-month-old toddler nearly drowned in the family’s backyard pool and was rushed to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Hours later, after he had already been transferred to the morgue, hospital staff discovered signs of life. Now, newly released body camera footage has shed more light on the extraordinary chain of events.
ABC15 spent months investigating the incident, reviewing more than half a dozen police body camera videos before piecing together what happened that day.
The signs of life were audible and visible
According to the investigation, two responding officers believed the toddler was still showing signs of life and repeatedly voiced their concerns to the attending physician. The incident occurred during Super Bowl weekend after the child was found unresponsive in the family’s pool.
The toddler was transported to the hospital, where a doctor determined he had no pulse and pronounced him dead. However, one officer later wrote in his report that he immediately questioned the decision. According to the report, when he raised his concerns, the doctor dismissed them. The officer wrote, “[The doctor] arrogantly told me he was the doctor, he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing.”
Even after the child was declared dead, officers say they continued noticing what appeared to be signs of life. One officer wrote, “The release of air was audible and visible.” He continued, “It also began to sound like [redacted] was gasping for air.”
The concerns did not stop after the child was moved to the morgue. One officer reported that he could still hear audible gasps coming from the toddler. According to ABC15, a nurse told the officers the sounds were likely a delayed response from the earlier resuscitation efforts and not evidence that the child was alive.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children, and survival often depends on how quickly they are rescued and treated. While parents can take every precaution possible, accidents can happen in a matter of moments, making constant supervision critical around water.
In this case, the child ultimately was found to still be alive, but by the time medical personnel recognized that he required further emergency treatment, he was already in critical condition. He was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where an MRI later revealed severe brain damage that doctors say will require lifelong care.
The police are considering charges on the parents
Following the incident, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center released a statement saying: “This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care.” The statement continued, “Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”
Meanwhile, the Gilbert Police Department has forwarded the details of the near drowning to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review. Prosecutors will determine whether the parents should face any criminal charges in connection with the initial near drowning. As of now, no charges have been announced.
Published: Jul 3, 2026 03:57 pm