Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, tragically lost his life from carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing in Costa Rica last month. This revelation was confirmed by Costa Rican authorities who conducted a toxicology report revealing dangerously high levels of carboxyhemoglobin in Miller's blood. Randall Zúñiga, the director of the Costa Rica Judicial Investigation Agency, stated Miller's saturation level was 64 percent—significantly above the lethal threshold of 50 percent.
The family had been staying at a resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, known for its picturesque beaches and rainforests. In a statement, the Gardner family disclosed that Miller fell ill alongside other family members before he passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 21. While other tests, including for drugs, returned negative, the autopsy highlighted symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
At a recent press conference, authorities discussed the location of the family's room, noting its proximity to mechanical equipment that may have caused the carbon monoxide contamination, a fact that raises serious safety concerns about the resort's integrity. The family has not received any response from the resort, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, regarding the investigation's findings.
Brett Gardner, who played 14 seasons for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021, stated that his son Miller loved various outdoor activities, including football, baseball, and fishing. The Gardners, who also have another son named Hunter, reside in South Carolina. As Miller’s passing resonates deeply within the sports community, fans and former teammates have expressed their condolences as the family navigates this unimaginable loss.
