The Costa Rican resort where 14-year-old Miller Gardner tragically passed away during a family vacation has publicly rejected the recent claims made by authorities about his cause of death.
Miller, the son of New York Yankees legend Brett Gardner, was found dead on March 21 at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort.
Initially, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigations Agency (OIJ) suggested that Miller’s sudden death could be linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, but the resort is now challenging this theory.
Resort Denies Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Allegations
On Monday, OIJ officials revealed that high levels of carbon monoxide had been detected in the family’s hotel room, leading them to believe the gas might have contributed to Miller’s death.
Randall Zúñiga, the general director of OIJ, announced that investigators found carbon monoxide levels reaching as high as 600 parts per million—far exceeding the safe limit of zero.
However, within 24 hours, the resort vehemently denied these findings, claiming that the dangerous gas was actually detected in a mechanical room, not in the guest room occupied by the Gardners.
In response, a resort spokesperson clarified that the levels of carbon monoxide in the guest room were “non-existent and non-lethal,” calling the initial report a mistake.
Despite this, the resort has closed off the room “out of an abundance of caution” while awaiting conclusive results.
Ongoing Investigation and Toxicology Results
The OIJ’s investigation is still ongoing, with toxicology results expected to provide more clarity on the cause of death.
Zúñiga emphasized that although carbon monoxide poisoning hasn’t been officially confirmed, the investigation is focused on whether the gas from the mechanical room could have seeped into the guest rooms.
Special teams, including fire department specialists in hazardous gases, conducted thorough inspections of the family’s room, which further suggested that the dangerous gas might have been a factor in the tragedy.
Zúñiga also noted that the local Fire Department and Ministry of Health were notified and have been involved in taking the necessary steps to address the situation.
The OIJ is working closely with the FBI as part of the ongoing investigation.
Family Mourns the Loss of Miller Gardner
Miller’s sudden death has left his family heartbroken. In an emotional obituary released on Monday, Brett and his wife Jessica shared their grief, reflecting on the immense loss of their son.
“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches, and others will be felt for years,” the family wrote.
Despite the briefness of Miller’s 14 years, his family emphasized that his legacy will live on through the people whose lives he touched.
The Gardner family has requested that donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Miller’s honor, a cause close to his heart.
The family shared that Miller, who was known for his love of golf, fishing, hunting, and travel, would have wanted other children to experience the same kind of joy he did in his short life.
Private Memorial and Legacy
A private celebration of Miller’s life will be held for close family and friends at a later date.
The family expressed their hope that, in the face of this unimaginable tragedy, joy and healing will eventually come to those who share in their grief.
Miller’s active involvement in school and sports, as well as his many hobbies, left a lasting impact on those around him, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.