Declared dead by mistake, child spends 5 hours in morgue after drowning in Arizona, police say

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Piscina, mangueira de jardim Foto: Piscina, mangueira de jardim - Joan Carles Juarez/shutterstock.com

A child was mistakenly declared dead and spent five hours inside a morgue in Gilbert, Arizona, before the error was discovered. The shocking information came to light with new allegations from local police detailing a serious failure in hospital procedure.

The incident began when the little boy, just two years old, drowned and was rushed to a health unit. After attempts at resuscitation, the hospital’s medical team mistakenly issued the death certificate.

Subsequently, the body was transported to the morgue of the same institution. There, the child remained for around five hours, without the professionals realizing that there were still vital signs. Cases like this, although rare, highlight the critical importance of rigorous protocols and multiple levels of verification in hospital settings to avoid devastating and irreparable consequences.

Discovery of error and family shock

The mistake was revealed when morgue professionals were preparing the body for additional procedures. It was then that they noticed signs of life in the child, generating immediate panic and a quick reassessment of the medical condition.

The child was quickly taken to intensive care, where he continues to receive care. Gilbert law enforcement authorities have begun an in-depth investigation to determine the precise circumstances that led to this alarming series of medical errors.

police car
police car – Jack Quillin/Shutterstock.com

Parental reaction and legal developments

The child’s parents expressed deep shock and outrage at the situation. They report the trauma of having received the news of their son’s death and, hours later, the information that he was still alive, but in a delicate state of health.

The family has already signaled its intention to seek legal action against the hospital and the professionals involved. The case raises serious questions about medical negligence and the urgency of reviewing protocols to prevent future similar occurrences.

Beatriz Lima é colaboradora da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2024.

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