Dylan Stableford·Reporter
Everything we know about the investigation into Miller Gardner's death
so far.
Officials in Costa Rica are continuing to investigate the death of the
teenage son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.
Miller Gardner, 14, died Friday in Costa Rica after “falling ill along
with several other family members while on vacation,” his father and
mother, Jessica Gardner, said in a statement posted by the Yankees to X
on Sunday.
"We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do
know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of
Friday, March 21," the statement read. "Miller was a beloved son and
brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious
smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family
and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
Authorities in Costa Rica said they do not believe his death to be
suspicious at this point in their investigation.
What we know about the investigation so far
Earlier this week, Costa Rican officials told multiple news outlets that
they suspected Miller Gardner died from possible "food intoxication," or
food poisoning, and that they were working to determine if his death was
caused by “possible asphyxiation” from a reaction to the food. The
officials did not indicate what food caused the apparent illness.
The same day, the U.S. State Department confirmed Miller Gardner’s death
and said that the agency is “closely monitoring local authorities'
investigation into the cause.”
On Tuesday, officials with the Costa Rican National Police told ABC News
that asphyxiation had been ruled out as the cause of death after
authorities determined his respiratory tract was clear.
The officials said that a full autopsy could take up to three months to
complete because of the country’s high murder rate.
The resort hotel in Costa Rica where the Gardners were staying — the
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio —
released a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday saying it was cooperating
with the investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the
family during this incredibly difficult time,” the resort said. “The
factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully
cooperating with authorities as they investigate.”
It added, “We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff,
prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy
of those affected.”
An ‘unimaginable loss’
Miller Gardner was Brett and Jessica Gardner’s youngest son. They also
have an older son, Hunter Gardner.
Brett Gardner spent his entire 14-season Major League Baseball career
with the Yankees. The one-time all-star and Gold Glove Award winner
retired following the 2021 season.
"Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an
unimaginable loss," the Yankees said in a statement posted to Facebook.
"It wasn't just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for
more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys,
Hunter and Miller."
The Gardners expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve
already received.
"We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and
encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith,
family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss," the
Gardners wrote in the statement. "Our prayers go out to Miller's
teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a
child far too soon as we share their grief. Please respect our wishes
for privacy as we mourn and search for healing."
