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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 4 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 Pearland
The shocking details of a toddler's near-drowning in a Phoenix suburb serve as a stark reminder for Pearland residents to re-examine their own pool safety measures. While the incident occurred outside of Texas, the risks associated with unsupervised pool access are universally relevant. In a community like Pearland, where backyard pools are common, it's crucial for homeowners to ensure that their pools are securely fenced and that adults are vigilant when children are present. The fact that investigators found open doors and a strong odor of marijuana at the scene of the near-drowning highlights the importance of responsible adult supervision. As the Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviews the case and considers negligence charges against the parents, Pearland residents would do well to review their own safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jacques Billeaud, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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