Nearly two weeks after Brett Gardner announced the tragic death of his teenage son, investigation uncovers carbon monoxide contamination in his hotel room.
- April 1, 2025
AceShowbiz - Costa Rican authorities offered update on the sudden death of Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. Investigations revealed high levels of carbon monoxide contamination in the family's hotel room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort.
They discovered that Miller's room was adjacent to a "specialized machine room," which may have been the source of the carbon monoxide. Randall Zuniga, general director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ), stated, "The initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination."
While emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation, Zuniga reported that contamination levels in the room reached as high as 600 parts per million - far exceeding the safe limit of zero.
Toxicology results are pending to confirm the precise cause of death. The U.S. FBI has been closely coordinating with Costa Rican officials to reach a conclusive outcome.
Miller passed away at the age of 14 on March 21while on a family vacation in Costa Rica. Initially, different theories, including food poisoning and allergic reactions to medication, were considered but later ruled out.
Family members reported feeling unwell after dining at a restaurant off-site on March 20, and they received medical attention upon their return to the hotel. Miller died in his sleep, the family claimed.
The tragic event has cast a shadow over the Gardner family. Brett and Jessica Gardner, who also have a 16-year-old son named Hunter, described Miller as "a beloved son and brother" and expressed their struggle in coping with the loss. "We cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile," they said in a statement.
Miller Gardner was remembered as a talented and spirited eighth grader at Pinewood Preparatory School. His obituary highlighted his achievements as an honor roll student and athlete who loved football, baseball, and family travels.
The hotel, in a statement to CBS News, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured full cooperation with authorities. "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our guests and staff," they reiterated.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the silent yet deadly danger posed by carbon monoxide. The Gardner family requested that donations in Miller's honor be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, furthering his legacy by helping children with life-threatening medical conditions.
