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Gardner Familygrapples With Wait to Repatriate Son’s Body From Costa Rica Amidst Investigation
The family of Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, faces further anguish as they navigate the process of repatriating his body from Costa Rica. Tragically, the deceased youth’s remains may remain in Costa Rica for at least ten more days due to procedural delays, compounding the grief for his parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner.
Repatriation Protocols and Potential Delays
The standard procedure for the repatriation of American citizens who pass away in Costa Rica involves coordinating with funeral homes listed by the U.S. Embassy in San Jose. The embassy typically contacts these businesses to obtain financial estimates for repatriation services. The family of the deceased then selects a company to handle the arrangements.
However, according to sources, the U.S. Embassy has not yet contacted any of the listed funeral homes regarding Miller Gardner’s death, which occurred while vacationing with his family, including his father, famed baseball player Brett Gardner.
Even after selecting a funeral home, the repatriation process can take a minimum of ten days due to stringent protocols and required paperwork. This potential delay adds to the immense sorrow already experienced by the Gardner family as they also anticipate a prolonged wait – possibly three months – for the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of their son’s sudden passing.
Autopsy Backlog Due to National Crisis
The extended wait for autopsy results is attributed to a significant backlog caused by a surge in homicides linked to drug gang conflicts in Costa Rica. This crisis is severely delaying forensic investigations throughout the country.
Funeral Homes Await Contact
Karina Delgado, of Montesacro funeral home in San Jose, a company on the U.S. Embassy’s list, stated, “We are aware of the Miller Gardner case, as it is prominent news.”
Delgado explained the typical process: “When a foreign citizen dies in Costa Rica, the listed funeral homes are asked to provide estimates for body retrieval from the morgue, preparation for transport, and assistance with necessary documentation.”
She further clarified, “We have not yet been contacted in this particular case, suggesting that no firm has been engaged at this point.” Other funeral homes on the embassy list corroborated this, confirming they have not yet been contacted to handle the arrangements for the Gardner family.
Details Surrounding Miller Gardner’s Death
Miller Gardner was found unresponsive in his room at the luxury Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio on Friday morning of the previous week. The unfortunate event unfolded after Brett, Jessica, Miller, and their elder son Hunter, 16, experienced severe gastrointestinal distress – including stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea – following a dinner at a local restaurant the preceding evening.
Medical personnel responded urgently and attempted to revive 14-year-old Miller for 30 minutes after a family member discovered him and alerted emergency services.
Forensic Investigation Underway
Miller Gardner’s body is currently at the Judicial Investigation Agency’s forensic medical facility in San Joaquin de Floris, near San Jose, following the completion of an autopsy.
“Generally, body release occurs at least ten days after estimate approval and official authorization,” Delgado noted. “We are responsible for body collection, contingent upon legal authorization from the embassy.”
She outlined the complex procedures: “The process involves securing permits from the Ministry of Health and coordination with a designated funeral home in the United States to receive the body, along with flight arrangements.”
“Typically, families return to the United States while awaiting the body’s arrival, although some may choose to remain and accompany the remains,” Delgado added.
Medical Team’s Efforts to Revive Miller
Dr. Kevin Gannon, head of a local medical center, revealed that his emergency team exerted extensive efforts to resuscitate Miller. “The crash team administered advanced life support, including comprehensive CPR, for thirty minutes, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful,” Dr. Gannon told news outlets.
Speaking from his urgent care facility in Quepos, Dr. Gannon elaborated, “He presented as clinically deceased, with no detectable vital signs. However, the duration of his condition was uncertain, prompting immediate intervention given the ambiguous circumstances.”
“Had he been in that state for only a brief period, there might have been a possibility of resuscitation,” Dr. Gannon suggested.
Search for Answers Regarding Cause of Death
Dr. Gannon, an American physician, indicated his team initially used a defibrillator, but Miller showed no response. They then proceeded with chest compressions and airway management.
While Dr. Gannon was not the attending physician at the immediate scene, he could not confirm if intravenous adrenaline, a common method in cardiac resuscitation, was administered.
After thirty minutes of resuscitation attempts, the medical team, comprising a doctor, nurse, and EMT driver, concluded their efforts and pronounced Miller deceased.
“We contacted the authorities and remained with the body until their arrival and takeover. Our physician provided support to the family members,” Dr. Gannon recounted.
Regarding the cause of death, Dr. Gannon stated, “It remains undetermined. As first responders and a clinic, we share the prevailing questions. The situation is currently unclear.”
“The event was overwhelming for everyone involved – the family, the hotel staff… deeply shocking,” he added.
“Speculation includes a potential allergic reaction to medication administered the previous evening, or medication administered by the emergency medical team. Various theories are circulating,” Dr. Gannon acknowledged.
Resort Staff and Police Investigations
Law enforcement officials have reportedly revisited the Arenas del Mar resort to conduct further interviews with staff. Resort management has instructed employees to withhold details about the incident from external inquiries and to cooperate solely with investigators.
An insider disclosed, “Officers are returning to ask numerous questions.”
“This incident has profoundly impacted the resort, given our reputation for exceptional guest care, including accommodating special needs like dietary requirements and medical considerations,” the source explained.
“In light of the tragic circumstances and the family’s distress, the resort has waived all charges for the Gardners’ stay,” the source further revealed.
Autopsy Delay Due to National Homicide Surge
As previously reported, the Gardners are also experiencing distress due to the anticipated lengthy delay in receiving their son’s autopsy results, exacerbated by a surge in homicides linked to narcotics-related conflicts.
Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, of the Judicial Investigations Agency, confirmed in an interview, “We are experiencing a significant increase in homicides due to territorial disputes between drug gangs, each necessitating an autopsy.”
“While an autopsy has been performed on Miller Gardner, complete analysis and results will take at least two to three months for all cases due to the current backlog caused by the constant killings. This reflects the current reality,” Alvarado explained.
Costa Rica has recorded approximately 1,800 homicides over the past two years, equating to almost 17 per 100,000 residents.
The majority of these homicides are attributed to drug trafficking organizations, with an estimated 63 percent linked to gang-related executions.
Toxicology Tests and Potential Causes Under Scrutiny
Alvarado detailed that a physician was summoned to the Arenas del Mar resort immediately after the Gardner family exhibited symptoms of illness. The physician administered medication to all family members to alleviate their symptoms.
In a significant development, medical experts are now investigating whether Miller Gardner may have experienced an adverse reaction to the medication administered to treat their sudden illness.
“Toxicology tests are being conducted to ascertain if this medication could have contributed to the fatality,” Alvarado stated.
Investigators are also exploring the possibility that Miller may have had a pre-existing bacterial infection upon arrival at the Pacific coast resort from their home in Summerville, South Carolina.
Authorities have indicated no evidence suggesting recreational drug use or alcohol consumption as contributing factors.
Shifting Theories and Food Sample Analysis
Alvarado indicated that investigators have dismissed initial theories suggesting asphyxiation due to potential food poisoning as the cause of death.
However, food samples from the restaurant where the Gardners dined on Thursday, March 20, have been collected for laboratory analysis. Should food contamination be identified as a factor in the death, potential legal action against the restaurant could ensue, Alvarado added.
Family’s Heartbreaking Announcement
Brett and Jessica Gardner publicly announced their son’s passing in a deeply moving statement over the weekend.
“It is with immense grief that we announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” they conveyed.
“At the young age of 14, he was taken from us prematurely after becoming ill along with several family members during a vacation.”
“We are left with countless questions and few answers at this time, but we find solace in knowing he peacefully passed away in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”
Brett Gardner’s Illustrious Baseball Career
Brett Gardner, 41, dedicated 14 seasons to the New York Yankees, from 2008 to 2021, and was a key member of their 2009 World Series championship team. He earned recognition as an American League All-Star in 2015 and received a Gold Glove award in 2016.