Authorities in Costa Rica have announced a devastating development in the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.
As previously reported, Miller Gardner was found unresponsive in his hotel room on March 21 while vacationing with his family in the coastal town of Manuel Antonio.
Despite efforts by doctors, who worked for 30 minutes to revive him, the 14-year-old never regained consciousness.
His parents, Brett and Jessica, shared the heartbreaking news in a public statement, which read: “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 wrote. “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.
“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 family added: “We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time, and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Authorities have revealed a possible cause behind the tragedy. They believe Miller may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, after tests showed “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” inside the family’s hotel room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort.
The room was located next to a mechanical space that may have been the source of the deadly gas, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ).
“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,” Randall Zúñiga, general director of the OIJ, said during a virtual press conference, per The New York Post.
Though final toxicology results are still pending, Zúñiga said early findings suggest the fatal exposure to carbon monoxide reached levels as high as 600 parts per million - far above the acceptable threshold, which he stated should be zero.
The investigation is ongoing, led jointly by the OIJ and the FBI. Until the toxicology report is complete, the exact cause remains unconfirmed, with initial theories ranging from food poisoning to asphyxiation to an allergic reaction.
Miller, who lived in South Carolina, was making a name for himself in high school football and had scored a touchdown while wearing No. 11, the same number his father wore during his 14-season career with the Yankees.
The Yankees organization shared a heartfelt tribute after news of Brett's son was shared online: “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner.
“It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature," they added.
In the wake of the tragedy, Costa Rican tourism reportedly took a hit as travelers canceled hotel bookings, shaken by the incident.