Costa Rica Hotel Responds After Carbon Monoxide Found in Gardner Family Room

Costa Rica Resort Addresses Tragic Death of Brett Gardner’s Son Amidst Carbon Monoxide Investigation

Following the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, the Costa Rican hotel where the incident occurred has released a statement. This comes after authorities reported the presence of carbon monoxide within the family’s hotel room. The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort expressed deep sorrow regarding the unfortunate passing.

Hotel Expresses Condolences and Pledges Cooperation with Investigation

“We convey our deepest remorse regarding the recent demise of a minor at our establishment due to causes that are currently unconfirmed,” stated Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in an official communication released on Monday, March 31st. The resort extended “sincere condolences to the child’s family and those close to him during this period of profound grief.”

The statement further elaborated on the resort’s commitment to the ongoing inquiry, “We are respectfully and diligently cooperating with the Costa Rican legal authorities, who have taken charge of the corresponding investigation. We are confident that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively determine the actual reasons behind this regrettable occurrence. For the present time, the investigation will continue with the examination of the various theories proposed by the legal authorities.”

Commitment to Guest Safety and Privacy

Concluding their statement, the hotel affirmed, “Out of respect for the continuing legal procedure and the family’s privacy, we will abstain from commenting on potential speculations or unconfirmed causes. Our foremost concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and personnel, and we reiterate our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards in the management of our facilities. We appreciate your understanding regarding the sensitivity of this matter.”

Carbon Monoxide Detected in Hotel Room

Earlier on Monday, Costa Rican officials verified that “elevated levels of carbon monoxide contamination” were discovered in Miller’s room. This confirmation followed testing conducted by a “specialized hazardous atmosphere team” from the Fire Department and forensic analysis carried out by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ).

Initial Findings Suggest Carbon Monoxide Inhalation

Miller Gardner tragically passed away on March 21st while vacationing with his family. An initial assessment on March 24th indicated asphyxia as a preliminary cause of death, potentially linked to “possible intoxication after seemingly consuming some food.” However, Randall Zúñiga, the General Director of the OIJ, announced on Monday that the continuing investigation has indicated that Miller “may have died from inhaling” carbon monoxide.

Proximity to Machine Room Investigated

In a statement to the media, Zúñiga further explained, “It’s also crucial to note that adjacent to [the family’s] room is a specialized machine room, from which it is believed some form of contamination may have infiltrated the guest rooms, possibly leading to the incident,” he proposed. Zúñiga noted that the OIJ alerted both the local Fire Department and the Ministry of Health to “undertake appropriate action regarding this verified contamination in the room.” He reiterated the OIJ’s collaboration with the FBI in the U.S. as they await “the final results from forensic toxicology.”

Alarming Levels of Carbon Monoxide

“Nevertheless, the preliminary investigative conclusions suggest that the incident stemmed from this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detected — when the suitable level in this scenario should be zero,” Zúñiga stated, highlighting the severity of the carbon monoxide presence.

Gardner Family Statement on Loss

Earlier this month, Brett and Jessica Gardner, Miller’s parents, confirmed the loss of their teenage son. “With profound sadness, we are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and departed from us far too prematurely after becoming ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the couple shared in a joint statement. “We are left with numerous questions and very few answers at this juncture, but we are certain that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”

Their statement continued, “Miller was a cherished son and brother, and we are unable to yet grasp the reality of life without his infectious smile. He had a passion for football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends. He embraced life to the fullest each and every day.”