Brett Gardner, the former New York Yankees star, and his wife Jessica are experiencing unbearable anguish after the sudden death of their 14-year-old son, Miller, while on vacation in Costa Rica.
What was meant to be a family getaway has instead turned into a heartbreaking ordeal, as the investigation into Miller’s death is being delayed by a deadly war between drug cartels in the region.
Rising Homicide Rates Cause Backlog in Autopsies
The delay in the autopsy results, which could take up to 90 days, comes as Costa Rica grapples with a surge in violent crime.
With nearly 1,800 homicides in the last two years, much of the violence has been attributed to drug trafficking gangs fighting for control.
The country’s judicial authorities have been overwhelmed by a backlog of cases, as every homicide requires an autopsy, leading to a delay in the results of Miller’s death.
Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigations Agency, explained that the spike in homicides is contributing to delays in the processing of autopsy results.
The full examination and toxicology reports for Miller will not be ready for another two to three months, adding to the family’s torment.
Suspicious Symptoms and Possible Medical Causes
Miller was found dead in his room at the luxury Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, on the morning of Friday, March 21.
Before his passing, Miller, along with his brother Hunter, 16, and parents, had fallen seriously ill after dining at a local restaurant.
The family experienced severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, prompting the resort’s doctor to administer medication.
However, officials are now investigating whether Miller may have had a severe allergic reaction to the medication, leading to his death.
In addition, toxicology tests are being conducted to determine if any substances in the medications could have played a role.
Authorities are also considering the possibility that Miller may have brought a bacterial infection with him from his home in South Carolina.
Uncertainty and Probing New Possibilities
While initial reports suggested the death might have been linked to food poisoning or asphyxiation from vomit, further autopsy examinations have ruled out these causes.
The investigation is now focused on three areas: toxicology, neuropathology (nervous system diseases), and histology (the microscopic structure of tissues and organs).
In a twist, food samples from the restaurant where the Gardner family dined are being analyzed.
If the food is found to be the cause, the restaurant could face legal action.
However, one restaurant, Le Papillon, has issued a strong denial, clarifying that the Gardners dined there several days prior to Miller’s death and had no connection to the incident.
Family Struggles to Bring Their Son Home
Miller’s body is currently being held in a morgue in San Jose, Costa Rica, as the family waits for all necessary procedures to be completed before they can repatriate him to the United States.
The Gardners have been unable to collect his body due to the ongoing requirements of the American embassy, adding another layer of stress to their already devastating situation.
Heartfelt Tributes and Support from the Yankees
In response to Miller’s untimely death, Brett’s former teammates, including Yankees manager Aaron Boone and coach Joe Girardi, expressed their profound sorrow.
Boone spoke of the team’s close-knit family, emphasizing how the tragedy has affected everyone who knew Brett and his family.
The New York Yankees also released a statement mourning the loss of Miller, describing him as a vibrant and loving young boy with a bright personality.
The team’s support for the Gardner family has been unwavering, with many players offering their condolences and pledging to help in any way they can.
Brett Gardner, who played 14 seasons with the Yankees, was part of the 2009 World Series-winning team and was an American League All-Star in 2015.
His family’s devastating loss has touched the hearts of many, both in the baseball community and beyond.