What was meant to be a relaxing, luxurious family getaway to Costa Rica turned into a heartbreaking nightmare for the Gardner family.
The 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, Miller Gardner, tragically passed away on March 21 while the family was staying at the upscale Arenas Del Mar resort.
At first, it was thought to be a case of food poisoning or a severe reaction to medication.
But as time passed, questions only multiplied—and now, almost three months later, Costa Rican authorities are still trying to determine if Miller’s death was a tragic accident or something more sinister.
Costa Rican Authorities Still Investigating Possibility of Homicide
The case is still very much open. In a statement shared with ESPN, Costa Rican officials confirmed that they haven’t ruled out the possibility that Miller’s death could be a homicide.
Sharon Hernandez Coto, a spokesperson from Costa Rica’s Prosecutor’s Office, explained:
“The purpose of the investigation is precisely to determine whether or not we are dealing with a possible homicide.
For this reason, it is not possible at this time to confirm or rule out that a crime has been committed.”
She added that they are focused on establishing the exact cause of death—and, if foul play is found, identifying who is responsible.
At this point, no specific timeline has been given for when the investigation might wrap up.
Initial Cause: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Back in early April, Randall Zuniga, general director of the Costa Rican judicial investigation agency (OIJ), stated that Miller died from carbon monoxide inhalation.
He explained that Miller had a lethal concentration of the gas in his system:
“Concentrations above 50% are already lethal.
In this case, the saturation percentage is higher, thus proving the police’s hypothesis that the death was due to exposure to carbon monoxide.”
Toxicology tests also came back clean—there were no signs of fentanyl or any other drugs.
Resort Denies Deadly Gas Was in the Room
Despite the findings, the Arenas Del Mar resort pushed back on the claims, saying carbon monoxide wasn’t found in Miller’s room.
In April, a spokesperson from the resort said:
“The levels in the hotel room were non-existent and non-lethal.
There was an error in this initial reporting.”
They clarified that the gas had been detected in a mechanical room—an area not accessible or occupied by guests.
The Gardners Break Their Silence After Son’s Death
Just two days after Miller’s passing, Brett and his wife Jessica released a heartbreaking public statement through the New York Yankees organization.
It was the only time they’ve spoken publicly about their son’s death.
“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 added that Miller had died peacefully in his sleep and remembered him as a vibrant boy who packed so much love and energy into his short life.
“He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
A Painful Wait for Answers
The family and the public are now left in limbo as authorities continue to piece together what really happened that night in Costa Rica.
Was it a freak accident involving toxic gas, or is there more to the story?
Brett Gardner, known for his long and loyal career with the Yankees—including a 2009 World Series win—has remained quiet since that first emotional message.
Understandably, the family is grieving privately as investigators try to bring clarity to an unthinkable loss.