The tragic passing of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, is currently under investigation by Costa Rican authorities. Initial findings suggest that the cause of death may be linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Randall Zuniga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ).

Details of the Investigation

During a recent news conference, Zuniga confirmed that investigators are treating Miller Gardner’s death as an accidental incident rather than homicide. The OIJ has coordinated efforts with the FBI to explore the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.

Following tests conducted in the hotel room where Miller was staying, high levels of carbon monoxide were detected, suggesting a potential link to hazardous gas exposure. “Levels of up to 600 parts per million were found, when the correct level should be zero in this specific case,” Zuniga stated regarding the findings.

Miller Gardner’s Last Days

Miller was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room on March 21 while the family was on vacation. At the time, family members reported feeling ill after dining out, contributing to the ongoing investigation into potential foodborne illnesses. However, the OIJ later ruled out asphyxiation as a cause of death, clarifying that his air passages were unobstructed, though traces of vomit were found.

Family’s Statement and Community Impact

Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, publicly shared the news of their son’s death in a statement released by the Yankees on March 23. They expressed their profound grief and acknowledged the barrage of questions surrounding the nature of Miller’s illness during the vacation.

A U.S. Department of State spokesperson also confirmed the death of an American citizen in Costa Rica but refrained from commenting further, emphasizing the need to respect the family’s privacy during such a difficult time.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have engaged the Costa Rican Health Ministry and the local fire department to ensure safety measures are reviewed and improved in the wake of this tragic incident.

Miller Gardner was known for participating in high school football in South Carolina, wearing the same number—11—as his father during his storied MLB career, which spanned 14 seasons with the Yankees, culminating in retirement in 2021.