Costa Rican authorities have revealed that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning during a family vacation. Officials announced Monday that investigators detected “high levels” of the lethal gas in the family’s hotel room, suggesting it may have played a role in the teen’s sudden death.
Miller passed away on March 21 after falling mysteriously ill while vacationing in Costa Rica with his family. Initial reports pointed to asphyxiation from suspected food poisoning, but that theory was later ruled out.
Deadly gas leak suspected
Randall Zúñiga, general director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ), confirmed that testing uncovered “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” in the family’s hotel room. The room was located next to a mechanical area, which authorities now believe could have been the source of the toxic exposure.
“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,” Zúñiga stated during a virtual press conference.
The investigation, conducted jointly by Costa Rican officials and the FBI, is still ongoing as authorities await the final toxicology results. However, Zúñiga noted that preliminary findings strongly indicate carbon monoxide poisoning, with levels recorded as high as 600 parts per million—far exceeding the safe limit of zero.
Ongoing questions and impact on tourism
Miller’s tragic and unexpected death has left both doctors and investigators searching for definitive answers. Theories regarding the cause have shifted from asphyxiation to an allergic reaction, but official confirmation will only come when the toxicology report is completed, which could take months.
Medical personnel on the scene the morning of Miller’s death recounted the desperate 30-minute effort to revive him, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, where the Gardner family was staying, initially sought to distance itself from the tragedy when food poisoning was suspected. However, following reports of a potential gas leak, Costa Rica’s tourism industry has seen a significant decline, with travelers canceling reservations across the country.
This case follows a similar incident just last month in Belize, where three American tourists were found dead after “fatal exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning” in their hotel room. Authorities continue to investigate potential lapses in safety regulations at resorts across the region as concerns over hidden dangers in vacation accommodations grow.
