Costa Rica authorities say carbon monoxide was found in New York Yankee star Brett Gardner’s family’s hotel room during an investigation into the death of his 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner.
Miller died on March 21 while he was vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. A preliminary cause of death was ruled to be asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food” by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) on March 24.
However, Randall Zúñiga, General Director of the OIJ, said in a Monday, March 31, virtual communication to the press that Miller “may have died from inhaling” carbon monoxide.
The OIJ official confirmed “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” were detected in the family’s hotel room as part of testing carried out by a “specialized hazardous atmosphere team” from the Fire Department and forensic engineering performed by OIJ investigators.
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“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,” he theorized.
Zúñiga said that the OIJ notified both the local Fire Department and the Ministry of Health in order for them to “take appropriate action regarding this confirmed contamination in the room.” He reiterated that OIJ was working in tandem with the FBI in the U.S. as they “wait for the final results from forensic toxicology.”
“Nonetheless, the initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detected—when the appropriate level in this case should be zero,” Zúñiga said.
The Gardners were staying at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort when Miller died.
A hotel spokesperson responded to the OIJ’s carbon monoxide reports in a Monday statement to Us Weekly, saying, “We deeply regret the recent death of a minor at our facilities due to unconfirmed causes. We express our sincere condolences to the child’s family and loved ones in this time of immense grief.
“We are respectfully and diligently collaborating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who have assumed the corresponding investigation,” the statement continued. “We trust that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively clarify the real causes of this unfortunate incident. For the time being, the investigation will continue with the analysis of the various theories put forward by the judicial authorities.”
The hotel representative added that Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort would “refrain from commenting on possible hypotheses or unconfirmed causes” while the investigation into Miller’s death is ongoing.
“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our guests and employees, and we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to the highest standards in the operation of our facilities,” the hotel said. “We appreciate your understanding regarding the sensitivity of this situation.”
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New York Yankees star Brett, 41, and his wife, Jessica Gardner, made the tragic announcement earlier this month they had lost their 14-year-old son.
“With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” they pair said in a joint statement. “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.”
They 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.”
On Sunday, March 30, a spokesperson for the Judicial Investigation Agency’s Press Office told Us Weekly Miller’s body had been discharged but “out of respect for the family it has not been disclosed who it was released to.”
Us subsequently confirmed that a body cannot be released from a morgue in Costa Rica unless a family member or a legal representative submits an official request. Miller’s autopsy is expected to be completed in approximately two months.
The Gardner family have chosen a way to keep Miller’s memory alive during this tragic time. An obituary published in Charleston, South Carolina’s Post and Courier on behalf of the Gardners asked that donations be made in Miller’s honor to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a non-profit that fulfills the wishes of young people battling life-threatening medical conditions.
“The Gardners have seen the organization’s impact firsthand on numerous occasions and have always been deeply moved by the hope, strength, and inspiration each wish provides for children and families facing difficult times,” Miller’s obituary read. “In this time of unimaginable loss, the family prays that joy and healing will come to others who share their grief.”
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The family went on, “Miller’s time here with them was brief but his spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived. 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.”
Miller’s Pinewood Prep junior varsity baseball team from Summerville, South Carolina, made its return to the field for the first time since his death with a 5-0 win over Trinity Collegiate School last week. Pinewood Prep coach Phil Hartig told The Post and Courier that it was “good to get back out [there] on the field.”
“These boys need to get together and be together. It’s going to help the healing process,” he added.
A private celebration of life will be held in Miller’s honor at a later date.
With reporting by Alejandra Araya Rojas
