The death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, remains under investigation. While the official cause of death is still pending, a significant development has emerged from the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Tests conducted on the hotel room where the Gardner family was staying revealed elevated levels of carbon monoxide, leading investigators to believe this potentially lethal gas may have played a role in Miller’s passing.
Miller passed away on March 21st while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. Initial reports from the Gardners indicated that Miller died in his sleep after he and several family members experienced illness. The OIJ director, Rándall Zúñiga, revealed in a video statement that high levels of carbon monoxide were discovered in the hotel room, specifically noting its proximity to a “specialized machine room” as a possible source of contamination. This discovery has prompted the OIJ to suggest that Miller may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, the investigation is far from over. Mr. Zúñiga emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the FBI and the pending results of forensic toxicology tests, which are crucial in definitively determining the cause of death. The hotel itself issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming its full cooperation with the authorities, while refraining from commenting on unsubstantiated hypotheses.
Carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. Common sources include cars, furnaces, stoves, and generators. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can range from headaches and dizziness to nausea, vomiting, and confusion. The OIJ’s findings are particularly poignant given a recent similar incident in Belize, where three American women died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their hotel room.
The OIJ previously considered food poisoning as a possible cause of death, but the carbon monoxide discovery has shifted the focus of the investigation. The final autopsy results are expected in two to three months. The Gardner family has not yet provided details about the other family members who fell ill or the nature of their symptoms. The tragic loss of Miller Gardner serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of proper safety measures.
