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Hotel Room of Yankees Star Brett Gardner Blocked Amid Son’s Death Investigation in Costa Rica
The hotel room in Costa Rica where former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner and his family vacationed prior to the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller, has been sealed off from public access. This action follows preliminary reports suggesting potential carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of the teenager’s death, prompting an ongoing investigation by Costa Rican authorities and involvement from the FBI.
Investigation Focuses on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Reports initially disclosed by TMZ indicate that Costa Rican officials are increasingly concerned that Miller Gardner’s death may be attributed to carbon monoxide inhalation. In response to these concerns, the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort has taken precautionary measures.
Resort Statement on Room Closure
‘Out of an abundance of caution, the specific room is currently unavailable for guests and will remain so until further notice,’ stated a representative from the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort to TMZ. The resort emphasized their commitment to guest safety, adding, ‘Guest safety is our utmost priority, and we consistently evaluate our procedures to guarantee adherence to the highest operational standards.’
High Carbon Monoxide Levels Detected
According to Randall Zuniga, general director of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), preliminary investigations revealed ‘elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide’ within the family’s hotel room. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Zuniga elaborated on the possible source of the contamination.
‘It is also crucial to note the presence of a specialized machine room adjacent to the family’s room. It is hypothesized that some form of contamination may have emanated from this machine room, potentially infiltrating the guest rooms and contributing to this unfortunate incident,’ Zuniga explained.
Zuniga further stated, ‘Nevertheless, the initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detected – when the appropriate level in this case should be zero.’
Toxicology Results Pending
While early evidence points towards carbon monoxide poisoning, it has not yet been officially confirmed as the definitive cause of death. Authorities are awaiting final toxicology results as part of the continuing investigation. Zuniga reiterated that their agency is collaborating with the FBI in the United States while ‘awaiting the conclusive results from forensic toxicology.’
Details Surrounding Miller Gardner’s Discovery
Miller Gardner was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room on March 21, during a family trip to Costa Rica. The sequence of events preceding the tragedy involved the Gardner family experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Brett, along with his wife Jessica, Miller, and their elder son Hunter, 16, reportedly suffered from severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea following a dinner the previous evening at an outdoor restaurant.
Medical personnel reportedly spent 30 minutes attempting to revive Miller after he was found by a family member who promptly alerted emergency services.
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Brett and Jessica Gardner released a poignant tribute to their son on Monday, expressing the profound impact of their loss. ‘The void Miller’s passing creates in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches, and all who knew him will be deeply felt for years to come,’ they conveyed.
The family statement continued, ‘The Gardner family will forever cherish the places they explored, the people they encountered, the friendships they forged, and the treasured memories they built together.’
‘Miller’s time with us was brief, but his spirit will endure eternally through the lives he touched. In this period of unimaginable sorrow, the family hopes that solace and healing will extend to others who share in their bereavement.’
Autopsy Results Delayed
Initial reports suggested that the complete autopsy findings might not be publicly available for approximately two months due to delays caused by a surge in homicides related to drug cartel conflicts in Costa Rica.
Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, of the Judicial Investigations Agency, acknowledged on Tuesday, ‘We are experiencing a spike in homicides as drug gangs vie for territory, and each case requires an autopsy.’
‘I can confirm that an autopsy has been performed on Miller. However, the comprehensive analysis and results, as with all cases, will require at least two to three months due to the current backlog of cases caused by the constant killings. This is the stark reality.’