Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Official Report Confirms Carbon Monoxide Inhalation as Cause of Death for Brett Gardner’s Son, Miller Gardner
Costa Rican authorities have officially verified that Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner, tragically died due to carbon monoxide inhalation during a family vacation. The confirmation comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the 14-year-old’s death, with initial reports and hotel statements creating confusion. This official toxicology report definitively establishes carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of this heartbreaking incident.
Toxicology Report Details Lethal Levels of Carbon Monoxide
Released by Randall Zuniga, general director of the OIJ, the official toxicology report conclusively determined that Miller Gardner’s death was caused by exposure to carbon monoxide. The report indicated a saturation level of 64% in his system.
Zuniga stated that concentrations exceeding 50% are considered lethal, emphasizing, “In this case, the saturation percentage is higher, thus validating the police’s initial hypothesis that the death resulted from carbon monoxide exposure.”
Authorities have now officially closed the case, according to Zuniga’s confirmation.
Miller Gardner (second right) tragically passed away while on vacation with his father Brett (right), mother Jessica (second left) and older brother Hunter, 16 (left)
His body was discovered in his room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Hotel Initially Denied Carbon Monoxide Link
Earlier in the week, uncertainty surrounded the cause of death. A spokesperson for the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, where the Gardner family was lodging, had previously refuted police findings.
“The levels in the hotel room were non-existent and non-lethal. There was an error in this initial reporting,” the resort spokesperson told the New York Post, contradicting initial police assessments.
Police had initially reported detecting “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” in the hotel room but awaited the definitive toxicology report for confirmation.
The hotel asserted that detected carbon monoxide levels were confined to a “mechanical room that guests do not occupy,” distinct from the guest room itself.
As a precautionary measure, Arenas Del Mar stated that the Gardners’ guest room was closed off “out of an abundance of caution” pending “conclusive results to confirm the cause of this unfortunate death.”
Brett Gardner’s son Miller, 14, tragically died while on vacation in Costa Rica on March 21
Randall Zúñiga, general director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency, confirmed the toxicology report on Wednesday and stated the case has been closed
Resort Prices Reportedly Reduced After Tragedy
The upscale resort, where nightly rates can reach $1,300, has reportedly reduced prices, with top-tier rooms now listed at $998.
Details Surrounding Miller Gardner’s Death Emerge
Miller Gardner was found unresponsive in his hotel room on March 21 during a family trip to Costa Rica.
Prior to the tragic event, Brett, Jessica, Miller, and their elder son Hunter, 16, experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, after dining at an outdoor restaurant the previous evening.
Medical personnel reportedly spent 30 minutes attempting to revive Miller after a family member discovered him and alerted emergency services, as previously disclosed by DailyMail.com.
Family Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Miller Gardner
Brett and Jessica Gardner released a poignant tribute to their deceased son in a moving obituary shared on Monday.
“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and others will be deeply felt for years to come,” the family expressed.
The tragedy occurred after Brett, Jessica, Miller and older son Hunter, 16, all suffered severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea after dinner at an outside restaurant the night before
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort initially denied the police findings
“The Gardner family will eternally cherish the places they visited, the people they encountered, the friendships they cultivated, and the memories they jointly created.”
“Miller’s time with them was brief, yet his spirit will endure perpetually through those whose lives he touched.”
Family Requests Donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation in Miller’s Memory
The family stated their intention to honor Miller’s legacy by leveraging his memory to benefit other children, requesting donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Miller was exceptionally fortunate with experiences and friendships throughout his 14 years, and he would desire other children to have the chance to create their own wonderful memories,” the obituary further conveyed.
A private celebration of life will be held for Miller (pictured) at an undisclosed later date
Dad Brett spent his entire Major League Baseball career as an outfielder with the Yankees
Remembering Miller Gardner’s Life
The poignant statement also recalled Miller’s active involvement in school and community activities, mentioning his participation on both the middle school football team and junior varsity baseball team, as well as his Honor Roll recognition and numerous hobbies.
Miller’s interests included golf, fishing, hunting, dirt biking, and exploring new destinations with his family.
“During this period of profound loss, the family hopes that solace and healing will extend to others who share in their grief,” the obituary concluded.
A private celebration of Miller’s life will be held at a later date and location to be determined. Attendance will be limited to family and close friends.