The Costa Rican resort where Miller Gardner died continues its attempt to distance itself from his sudden passing.
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort issued a statement to TMZ Sports on Tuesday, March 25, claiming Miller and his family did not eat at any of their restaurants for lunch or dinner the day before his death.
Miller, 14, was found dead in his hotel room at the resort on Friday, March 21. Confusion has swirled surrounding his cause of death, which was originally classified as asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.”
An official from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) then told CNN on Tuesday, March 25, that Miller likely died from “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.”
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However, an official from OIJ told Us Weekly on Tuesday that asphyxia had been entirely ruled out as the cause after Miller’s airwaves were observed to be unobstructed.
Autopsy and toxicology results, which will take between two to three months, will determine whether Miller’s cause of death was food poisoning, which Costa Rican authorities have deemed the most likely outcome.
In a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort acknowledged Miller’s death for the first time.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.”
The resort continued, “We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”
Miller was vacationing in Costa Rica with members of his family — including his mother, Jessica, and father Brett, a former star outfielder for the New York Yankees — who all became ill at the resort.
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort has two restaurants on its premises: Playitas Beachfront Restaurant and Mirador Oceanview Restaurant.
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Playitas is a more casual environment and only open for lunch. Mirador includes a complimentary à-la-carte breakfast and then reopens for dinner.
Miller’s death was announced by his parents on Sunday, March 23 via a statement issued by the Yankees.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read. “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.”
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.”
