safety
Toddler found alive in morgue hours after being pronounced dead by Arizona doctor
By Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 4 min read
An Arizona toddler was found breathing inside a hospital morgue after being declared dead hours earlier by a doctor, according to police records.A police report and body camera video reviewed by investigators with the Scripps News Group in Phoenix show that two Gilbert police officers saw signs o...
Key takeaway Toddler found alive in hospital morgue after being pronounced dead by AZ doctorWhat happened that dayThe 18-month-old was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center after he was found inside the familys pool on Super Bowl Sunday in February.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The disturbing incident in Arizona raises questions about the protocols in place at Nashville 's own medical facilities. While the details of this case are specific to the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, it's worth considering how similar situations might be handled at local hospitals. In Nashville, where water safety is a concern due to the presence of numerous lakes and pools, the risk of near-drowning incidents is ever-present. The fact that the Arizona toddler was found alive in the morgue after being pronounced dead is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accurate assessment in emergency situations. As the community reflects on this incident, it's an opportunity for local medical professionals and emergency responders to review their own procedures and ensure that they are equipped to handle such critical situations with precision and care. The Nashville community will be watching to see if any changes or reviews of medical protocols are implemented in response to this alarming incident.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An Arizona toddler was found breathing inside a hospital morgue after being declared dead hours earlier by a doctor, according to police records.A police report and body camera video reviewed by investigators with the Scripps News Group in Phoenix show that two Gilbert police officers saw signs o...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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