Authorities are continuing to investigate 14-year-old Miller Gardner’s cause of death as questions continue to arise.
Former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner and his family were vacationing at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica when Miller was found dead. ABC News reported on Tuesday, March 25, that an autopsy has yet to be completed, so “any leads” into Miller’s death are considered preliminary.
The ABC News report claimed, via a source, that the family “felt sick” after eating dinner at a restaurant near the resort on Thursday, March 19. Now, the authorities are looking into a possible allergic reaction to medication, the outlet reported.
Miller was found dead in his hotel room on the morning of Friday, March 21.
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“The hotel staff dispatched a medical team immediately, including a licensed doctor, which arrived to handle the emergency situation,” Arenas Del Mar said in a statement to ABC News. “Our hotel protocol at Arenas Del Mar does not allow for hotel staff to provide any medication to guests.”
A preliminary cause of death released on Monday, March 24, ruled that Miller died from asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” However, the Costa Rica Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) has since confirmed to Us Weekly that asphyxia has been ruled out entirely since Miller’s airways appeared to be unobstructed. His death is now believed to be the result of food poisoning, but officials are still waiting on the results of a toxicology report.
Brett, 41, and his wife, Jessica Gardner, released a statement following the death of their youngest son. (The couple is also parents to 16-year-old son Hunter.)
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” they shared on Sunday, March 23. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”
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The statement continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The Yankees organization also released a statement regarding the news. (Brett played as an outfielder on the team for 14 seasons.)
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the statement read, in part. “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. May Miller rest in peace.”
