Miller Gardner, the youngest son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died on March 21 on the age of 14 whereas on trip together with his household in Costa Rica.
The investigation into his demise is ongoing and the trigger stays unconfirmed, however investigators are wanting into whether or not carbon monoxide played a role. Here’s what we find out about Miller Gardner’s demise up to now.
What occurred to Miller Gardner?
Miller Gardner’s mother and father stated in a press release that he died in his sleep after he and a number of other different members of the family fell ailing whereas vacationing. They didn’t elaborate on who else had gotten sick, what particular sickness they have been coping with or what signs that they had skilled.
The place have been the Gardners staying?
The Gardners have been vacationing on the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, which is alongside Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, some 50 miles south of San José.
“We’re deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts exit to the household throughout this extremely tough time,” the resort stated in a press release on Tuesday, March 25. “The elements that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we’re absolutely cooperating with authorities as they examine. We stay dedicated to supporting our visitors and workers, prioritizing their well-being and security, whereas respecting the privateness of these affected.”
The resort additionally advised CBS News that lodge workers responded to the incident based on protocol, saying: “The lodge workers dispatched a medical workforce instantly, together with a licensed physician, which arrived to deal with the emergency scenario. Any medical consideration to the household was carried out by medical professionals. Our workers didn’t administer any medical therapy.”
What are officers saying about the reason for demise?
A reason behind demise had but to be decided. On March 31, OIJ director Randall Zúñiga stated investigators performed testing within the lodge room the place Gardner was staying and located excessive ranges of carbon monoxide, which he stated might have been attributable to equipment within the room subsequent door.
The contamination they discovered led investigators to imagine Gardner “might have died from inhaling these extremely harmful gases,” Zúñiga stated.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gasoline produced by the burning of fossil fuels in gear similar to automobiles, furnaces, stoves, sure heaters and turbines. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning might embody headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
“This whole investigation has been intently coordinated with the US FBI, and we await the ultimate outcomes of the forensic toxicology to find out precisely what prompted this younger man’s demise,” Zúñiga stated.
The lodge advised CBS information in a press release on March 31, “Out of respect for the continuing judicial course of and the household’s privateness, we’ll chorus from commenting on any unconfirmed hypotheses or potential causes.”
“We’re diligently cooperating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who’ve taken over the investigation,” the lodge stated. “We belief that the forensic course of will objectively, clearly, and conclusively make clear the causes of this unlucky incident.”
That got here per week after an preliminary report from investigators in Costa Rica that prompt he might have died because of asphyxiation following meals poisoning, which was quickly adopted by one other assertion saying that they had dominated out asphyxiation because the trigger.
The OIJ director stated they have been nonetheless awaiting a toxicology report, which is amongst three kinds of analyses the investigating company stated it was acting at its forensic science laboratories. Histology (which means a microscopic research of tissues and cells), toxicology (testing for chemical substances) and neuropathology (referring to the mind, backbone and nervous system) outcomes may assist investigators verify a reason behind demise.
“The outcomes are anticipated to be accessible in two to a few months, because of the excessive demand for autopsies being carried out within the nation, ensuing from the rise in homicides,” the company stated.
Why did preliminary studies say the trigger was meals poisoning or “meals intoxication”?
Earlier than the OIJ had dominated out asphyxiation, an preliminary assertion stated: “Preliminary studies point out the reason for demise is asphyxiation following potential meals poisoning.”
Some information retailers quoted an area official who cited potential “meals intoxication,” however there is no such thing as a situation by that identify, and it seems on this context to have meant the identical factor as meals poisoning.
There was no official affirmation on whether or not meals poisoning continues to be suspected and, per the OIJ, it may take a number of months earlier than a reason behind demise is set.
Following the studies of potential meals poisoning, Resort La Mariposa, positioned lower than a mile from the place the Gardners have been staying, launched a press release to handle what it known as “misinformation circulating on social media.”
“The Gardner household dined at our restaurant, Le Papillon, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 18, 2025—three days earlier than Miller’s tragic passing. Any claims suggesting a hyperlink between our restaurant and this heartbreaking occasion are fully false and unfounded,” the restaurant stated. “Any information, statements, or claims on the contrary don’t mirror the truth of the scenario. Moreover, we wouldn’t have any further data, because the Gardner household didn’t keep at our lodge.” The lodge additionally prolonged its “heartfelt condolences to the Gardner household.”
The Arenas Del Mar resort, the place the Gardners have been staying, stated in a press release, “The household didn’t eat at any of Arenas Del Mar’s eating places for lunch or dinner yesterday. Moreover, on March 14th, we had an inspection by the Well being Ministry through which the lodge handed with a 98.5 out of 100.”
What has the Gardner household stated?
In a press release, Miller Gardner’s mother and father, Brett and Jessica Gardner, stated they’ve “so many questions and so few solutions at this level.”
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we can’t but comprehend our life with out his infectious smile,” they stated. “He beloved soccer, baseball, golf, searching, fishing, his household and his mates. He lived life to the fullest each single day.”
“We’re so grateful to all who’ve reached out to supply assist and encouragement throughout this tough time and we’re assured our religion, household, and mates will assist us navigate this unimaginable loss,” their assertion continued. “Our prayers exit to Miller’s teammates and mates, in addition to to all different households who’ve misplaced a toddler far too quickly as we share their grief.”
What have the New York Yankees stated?
The New York Yankees, the place Brett Gardner performed for 14 years, launched the next assertion after information of Miller Gardner’s demise turned public.
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees household is full of grief after studying of the passing of Miller Gardner. Phrases really feel insignificant and inadequate in making an attempt to explain such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t simply Brett who actually grew up on this group for greater than 17 years — so did his spouse, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.
We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their group of household and mates in mourning the lack of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty character, and a heat and loving nature.
Our love for the Gardner household is unconditional and absolute, and we’ll provide our enduring assist whereas understanding their want for privateness right now.
Might Miller relaxation in peace.”
Who’s Brett Gardner?
Brett Gardner is a former baseball participant who spent his total skilled profession with the New York Yankees. Initially from North Carolina, he was initially drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and was first known as up in 2008 earlier than turning into a daily starter the next season. Throughout his 14 MLB seasons, the outfielder gained one World Sequence in 2009, earned an All-Star look in 2015 and a Gold Glove Award in 2016.
As a rookie, Gardner scored the ultimate run within the previous Yankee Stadium in 2008, which was changed the next yr.
His ultimate season was in 2021.