safety
A toddler was found in a pool and declared dead. He's alive and his parents could be charged
By Jacques Billeaud, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 6, 2026
· 3 min read
A toddler discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb in February was declared dead before being found breathing hours later in a room that serves as the hospital morgue, according to recently released police records. Two Gilbert police officers saw possible signs of life multiple times, bu...
Key takeaway Two Gilbert police officers saw possible signs of life multiple times, but the child was still taken to the hospital's “cold room" after being treated by staff, according to the documents.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The disturbing incident in a Phoenix suburb has implications for Terrell Hills residents, particularly those with young children. The fact that a toddler was declared dead and later found breathing in a hospital morgue raises concerns about the efficacy of emergency response protocols. In Terrell Hills, where backyard pools are common, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to ensure that pools are securely fenced and that children are supervised at all times. The presence of open doors and a strong odor of marijuana at the scene of the incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and vigilant environment. As the Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviews the case, Terrell Hills residents should take this opportunity to review their own safety measures and consider attending local workshops or seminars on pool safety and emergency response.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A toddler discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb in February was declared dead before being found breathing hours later in a room that serves as the hospital morgue, according to recently released police records. Two Gilbert police officers saw possible signs of life multiple times, bu...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jacques Billeaud, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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