A TODDLER who was found to be alive at her own funeral just hours after being declared dead, was rushed to hospital and declared dead for a second time in 24 hours.
The tragedy struck at Kiara Crislayne de Moura dos Santos’ funeral in Brazil, after she tightly gripped the finger of a horrified family member who saw her moving her hand in the coffin.
This gave hope to dad Cristiano Santos that his daughter may live, ending the heartbreak he experienced earlier that day.
Cristiano, speaking on the immeasurable pain of the loss of his daughter, said: “We were devastated already. Then there came a little bit of hope, but then this ended up happening.”
The baby girl, 9 months old, was initially rushed to Faustino Riscarolli Hospital in Correia Pinto, Brazil, on October 19.
Doctors confirmed the toddler had no pulse and was not breathing.
The girl wasn’t in the hospital long before being declared dead by medical professionals, whom the hospital assures undergo strict and constant training.
Doctors had found that Kiara’s oxygen saturation levels were measured around 84 per cent, meaning the baby girl needed instant critical care.
There was reportedly also no trace of rigor mortis, which stiffens the body between six and eight hours after death.
However, after an electrocardiogram examination, no electrical signals were found and the child was again confirmed dead.
According to reports, the medical team trying to save Kiara’s life for a second time did find a heartbeat at a point in time.
An investigation is now under way at the hospital involved in wrongly declaring the death of Kiara by Brazil’s specialist Scientific Police.
A statement from The city of Correia Pinto expressed a deep regret at what had happened: “under no circumstances, any professional can issue certificates or statements without due verification of the patient’s conditions.
“All health professionals are constantly guided and trained, ensuring that people’s lives and well-being are always the priority.”
The hospital admitted they confirmed Kiara dead 16 hours before she was found to have a pulse.
Correia Pinto City Hall apologised to the family and promised their investigation will be concluded within 30 days.
A conclusive report is set to be released regarding Kiara’s case, carried out by the General Institute of Forensics.