Authorities in Costa Rica have identified carbon monoxide exposure as a possible cause of death for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner.
Miller passed away suddenly on March 21 while vacationing with his family at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. Initially, asphyxiation related to “possible food poisoning” was considered a factor, but officials later ruled out that possibility.
On Monday, Randall Zúñiga, general director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigations Agency, announced that high levels of carbon monoxide had been detected in the family’s hotel room.
“It’s also important to note that next to [the family’s] room there is a specialized machine room, from which it is believed some form of contamination may have reached the guest rooms, potentially causing the incident,” Zúñiga stated.
Although authorities have yet to confirm carbon monoxide as the official cause of death, forensic teams discovered alarmingly high levels of the toxic gas – up to 600 parts per million – inside the room.
“The appropriate level in this case should be zero,” Zúñiga explained.
A specialized investigative team, working alongside the fire department, conducted an inspection last Friday, leading authorities to suspect that Miller may have succumbed to dangerous gas inhalation.
“That led us to the line of investigation that this person [Miller] could have died from inhaling these dangerous gases,” Zúñiga added.
The OIJ has since alerted the Fire Department and Ministry of Health to take necessary actions regarding the “confirmed contamination in the room.” Meanwhile, authorities continue working closely with the FBI as they await the final toxicology report.
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar incident in Belize, where three American tourists died inside their hotel room. Toxicology reports later confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death.
Miller was found unresponsive on March 21, the morning after the entire Gardner family – Brett, his wife Jessica, Miller, and his older brother Hunter, 16 – fell ill with severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea following dinner at an outdoor restaurant.
Desperate efforts were made to revive Miller, with paramedics reportedly attempting CPR for 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead.
In an emotional obituary shared on Monday, Brett and Jessica Gardner honored their son’s memory, describing the profound impact he had on those around him.
“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches, and others will be felt for years,” the family wrote.
They also expressed gratitude for the experiences Miller enjoyed in his short life, emphasizing that his “spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived.”
To honor his legacy, the family has requested donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, stating: “Miller was so blessed with experiences and friendships in his 14 years, and he would want other children to have the opportunity to create their own wonderful memories.”
The obituary also reflected on Miller’s vibrant personality, highlighting his love for sports, outdoor activities, and travel. He was a dedicated student, a member of his school’s football and baseball teams, and a regular Honor Roll achiever.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date, reserved for close friends and family.
While the autopsy on Miller has been completed, officials warn that the final analysis could take months due to a surge in violent crime in Costa Rica.
Authorities also explored other possible causes of death, including an allergic reaction to medication given after the family fell ill or a pre-existing bacterial infection. However, carbon monoxide exposure remains the leading theory.
Brett Gardner, now 41, spent 14 seasons with the Yankees, helping them win the 2009 World Series. Widely respected in the organization, he was known for his leadership and strong ties with teammates, including Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
Last Thursday, the Yankees honored Miller before their Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a moment of silence.
Over the PA system, stadium announcer Paul Olden paid tribute to the teenager, recalling his “outgoing and feisty personality and warm and loving nature.”
“Miller grew up in the Yankees organization and had become a two-sport athlete, wearing his father’s No. 11 on his football jersey… The entire Yankees organization grieves this unimaginable loss with Brett, his wife Jessica, and their son Hunter,” Olden added.
Judge, reflecting on Gardner’s influence in the clubhouse, acknowledged how deeply the tragedy had affected former teammates.
“Even guys that aren’t on this team. I got a lot of phone calls, texts from other guys that we were young guys kind of coming up that, ‘What do we do? Do we reach out with what’s going on?’ Just because of the way that Brett impacted all our lives,” Judge said.
“This guy was a leader of all of us, a second dad to some guys,” Judge emotionally added. “He poured everything into every single guy.”
Needless to say, this has been an unimaginable tragedy for Brett and the entire Gardner family.
May Miller rest in peace.
