safety
A toddler was found in a pool and declared dead. He’s alive and his parents could be charged
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 7, 2026
· 4 min read
By JACQUES BILLEAUD
The Associated Press
PHOENIX 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 offi...
Key takeaway Aryan Toosi told an officer at one point, according to the report.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The disturbing incident in a Phoenix suburb serves as a stark warning for Odessa parents and caregivers about the dangers of unsecured pools and the importance of vigilance. In Ector County, where backyard pools are common, the risk of accidental drowning is ever-present. This case highlights the need for pool owners to ensure that their pools are properly fenced and gated, and that children are always supervised when near water. The fact that investigators found a strong odor of marijuana and open doors at the scene raises concerns about the potential for distracted or impaired supervision. As Odessa authorities continue to emphasize pool safety and drowning prevention, this incident underscores the need for community members to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in our own community.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa 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 Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By JACQUES BILLEAUD
The Associated Press
PHOENIX 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 offi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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