Mother of Arizona toddler Vincent Fiordilino, found alive in a hospital morgue, speaks out as family plans complaint

The mother of Vincent Fiordilino, the Arizona toddler who was pronounced dead and then found breathing in a hospital morgue more than five hours later, has spoken publicly for the first time. In interviews with ABC15 Arizona and NBC News published this week, Alexus Fiordilino, 30, described the day in February when her 18-month-old son nearly drowned, and the family’s attorney said he plans to file a formal complaint against the emergency room doctor and the hospital.

“My husband and I just screamed in relief,” she told NBC News, describing the moment police told the family Vincent was alive. “To go from hearing he was gone and then finding out he isn’t gone, it’s an unexplainable feeling.”

What happened to Vincent Fiordilino?

On Feb. 8, 2026, Super Bowl Sunday, Vincent was found floating face down in the family’s pool in Gilbert, Arizona, and a relative began CPR, according to a police report cited by NBC News. He was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where an emergency room team took over efforts to revive him.

The report says the ER doctor called time of death at about 6:20 p.m. Police officers in the room reported that the child still appeared to be gasping after he was declared dead; a nurse described it as agonal breathing, according to the report. Vincent was moved to the hospital’s “cold room,” which serves as its morgue, and the door was closed at 7:23 p.m.

When a medical examiner’s team arrived at 11:52 p.m. to collect him, “he was found breathing,” the report says. The family was notified immediately, and Vincent was airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

What did his mother say?

Fiordilino told ABC15 the doctor told her Vincent’s pH levels were too acidic and that even if he were revived, “it wouldn’t be a good form of life.” She said she thought she heard him breathing when she hugged him goodbye, and that her mother-in-law raised the same concern, but they were told the sounds were normal.

“He was alone for five and a half hours,” she told ABC15. “How do you do that to a baby?”

Why is the timing of a blood test in question?

ABC15 reported that records it reviewed show the doctor cited the results of a blood-gas test as part of his reasoning, including for not taking Vincent’s core body temperature or using warming measures. Those records appear to show the results were not received until 6:38 p.m., 18 minutes after time of death was called.

The family’s attorney, John Brewer, told NBC News the doctor gave the parents “false information” as they decided whether to keep trying to revive their son. Those are the family’s allegations; they have not been tested in court.

What do the hospital and doctor say?

The hospital called the situation “heartbreaking” and said that, out of respect for patient privacy, it could not share information or comment on those involved in care. “Patient safety and exceptional care are our highest priorities,” the statement said.

An attorney for the doctor said his client “wishes the child continued healing and recovery,” and told ABC15 that because of pending litigation and privacy laws he could not discuss the details of the care provided.

Is there a criminal investigation?

Gilbert police told ABC15 that their investigation “did not establish probable cause for any criminal conduct involving medical personnel,” and that no charges were forwarded. The case is being referred to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. NBC News reported the attorney general’s office said Wednesday it had not decided whether to review it.

How is Vincent doing now?

“He’s getting better,” his mother told NBC News. Brewer described serious, lasting injuries: “Vincent is severely brain-injured. He can’t swallow. He seizes up. He can’t sit up on his own or crawl.” He told ABC15 the boy will need lifelong care. Vincent is home with his family and in physical therapy, according to ABC15.

This article reports on a medical case and is not medical advice.