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)
· 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 The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where backyard pools are a common feature in many homes, the disturbing incident in a Phoenix suburb serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pool safety. The fact that a toddler was declared dead only to be found breathing hours later is a harrowing scenario that could have easily occurred in our own community. As local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of pool barriers and supervision, this case highlights the devastating consequences of negligence. With the parents in this case potentially facing charges, San Antonio residents should take note of the critical role they play in preventing such tragedies. The city's own experiences with pool-related incidents underscore the need for continued education and awareness about water safety, particularly during the warmer months when pool use is more frequent. By learning from this shocking incident, San Antonio families can take proactive steps to ensure their own backyard pools are safe and secure.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jacques Billeaud, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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