Investigation launched after 'deceased' child found alive in Gilbert hospital

A community in Gilbert, Arizona, is reeling after a young child, initially pronounced dead following a tragic drowning, began showing signs of life hours later.

The harrowing incident unfolded on 8 February when emergency services were called to a backyard pool at 5:35pm.

Despite the frantic efforts of first responders to administer life-saving measures, the child was officially declared deceased at a local hospital just 45 minutes later.

The story took an almost unbelievable turn at 11:30pm when the Gilbert Police Department was notified that the youngster was alive.

Medical staff discovered signs of life, and the child was immediately flown to a specialist facility, where they are now expected to survive.

Dr Frank LoVecchio, an emergency physician, described the case as “absolutely a miracle,” though he admitted it was “somewhat hard to believe.”

He suggested that the child’s body temperature may have dropped so low that a pulse became undetectable.

Reflecting on the clinical process, LoVecchio noted, “You want to be absolutely sure — make sure the temperature was adequate, that there is no heartbeat, no movement, no blood pressure.”

He added, “So, I think something’s missing from the story.” While the investigation into the clinical error continues, the family is witnessing a recovery that defies medical expectations.

As the doctor remarked, “Maybe — never say never in medicine, never say never and never say always, right.” For now, a family that had prepared for the worst is holding onto a second chance at life.