An Arizona family is calling their young son a ‘miracle’ after he was mistakenly declared dead following a near-drowning accident, only to be found alive hours later in a hospital morgue.

Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino was just 18 months old when he was discovered face down in his family’s backyard swimming pool during a Super Bowl party on Feb. 8. According to a newly released police report cited by Arizona’s Family, the toddler had been in the water for an estimated 10 to 15 minutes before he was found around 5:30 p.m.

Emergency responders rushed Vincent to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where doctors worked to save him. But at 6:20 p.m., Dr. A. Toosi pronounced the child dead.

According to the police report, that declaration was immediately questioned.

As Dr. Toosi went to notify the family, a nurse reportedly said, “I have a pulse.” A police officer also informed the doctor that hospital staff believed the child still had signs of life. The report alleges that the doctor dismissed those concerns, insisting “he was the doctor, he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing.”

Police further allege that Dr. Toosi instructed staff to stop trying to revive the child. Officers reported seeing several nurses leave the emergency room in tears after Vincent was pronounced dead. The report also states that both the boy’s parents and responding officers believed he still appeared to be breathing, though nurses reportedly described it as “agonal breathing.”

Vincent was then transported to the hospital morgue.

Hours later, just before midnight, medical examiner staff made an astonishing discovery: the toddler was still alive.

He was immediately transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors continued treating him.

A GoFundMe campaign established to help the family described the emotional roller coaster they experienced that night.

“His devastated parents were sent home in unimaginable grief. But God had other plans. A little after 11:30 p.m., the family received a call no one expected: the medical examiner had detected a faint heartbeat,” organizer Yaleen Perez wrote. “Vincent was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, fighting for his life.”

Perez said Vincent has continued to show remarkable resilience throughout his recovery.

“Doctors are taking things slowly, allowing Vincent’s body to guide the pace of his recovery. They are amazed by his strength and have lovingly begun calling him ‘the miracle baby,'” she wrote.

The case has also raised serious legal questions. Police reported that Vincent’s parents admitted they had been smoking marijuana and were not closely supervising their son during the party. As a result, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reviewing potential child abuse charges.

Meanwhile, the family is considering legal action against Dr. Toosi and Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

In a statement to Arizona’s Family, a Dignity Health spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.

“This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

For many following Vincent’s story, his survival is a powerful reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, hope can appear when it seems all is lost. Christians may also see in his remarkable recovery a testimony to God’s mercy and the value of continuing to pray, even when circumstances seem impossible.