Miller Gardner's Official Cause of Death Confirmed by Toxicology Results

Miller Gardner Death: Toxicology Report Reveals Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Costa Rican authorities have officially confirmed the cause of death for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. Toxicology reports revealed that young Miller Gardner tragically died from exposure to poisonous gases, specifically carbon monoxide poisoning. The confirmation, reported by Us Weekly on Wednesday, April 2nd, concludes the investigation into the incident that occurred while the Gardner family was vacationing in Costa Rica.

Toxicology Results Confirm Carbon Monoxide

Randall Zúñiga, General Director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ), publicly announced the toxicology findings, stating that tests showed a lethal saturation level of carbon monoxide in Miller Gardner’s system.

In a statement to the press, Zúñiga explained, “In the carboxyhemoglobin test, a saturation level of 64 percent was detected. Concentrations exceeding 50 percent carboxyhemoglobin are considered fatal. In this instance, the 64 percent saturation level is significantly beyond the lethal threshold.”

Official Ruling Supports Initial Hypothesis

Zúñiga further clarified, “This finding substantiates the initial police theory that the fatality resulted from exposure to poisonous gases, specifically carbon monoxide. With this definitive toxicology report, the investigation is effectively concluded. The final procedural step involves forwarding the detailed toxicology analysis from the OIJ Forensic Sciences Department to the Legal Medicine Department for inclusion in the official autopsy report.”

He added that comprehensive testing was performed, including drug screenings for substances like fentanyl, but all results were negative and unrelated to the symptoms exhibited by Miller Gardner.

“This case involved a rigorous scientific investigation, which has successfully identified the factual truth,” Zúñiga emphasized. “Notably, during the autopsy, a distinct tissue layer, characteristic of carbon monoxide poisoning or gas inhalation fatalities, was observed in young Gardner’s organs. This emphysema was clearly visible and pronounced during the post-mortem examination.”

Incident at Costa Rica Resort

Miller Gardner passed away on March 21st while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. They were guests at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort when he was discovered unresponsive.

Earlier Asphyxia Ruling and Subsequent Carbon Monoxide Discovery

Initially, on March 24th, the OIJ had provisionally cited asphyxia as the possible cause of death, suggesting “potential intoxication from food ingestion.”

However, on Monday, March 31st, Zúñiga communicated to the press via virtual channels that Miller “may have died from inhaling” carbon monoxide.

The OIJ official verified that “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” were found in the family’s hotel room during inspections conducted by a “specialized hazardous atmosphere team” from the Fire Department, along with forensic engineering analysis by OIJ experts.

“It is also important to note the presence of a specialized machine room adjacent to the family’s room. It is suspected that some form of contamination might have emanated from this room, potentially affecting the guest accommodations and causing the incident,” he proposed at the time.

Resort and Authorities Respond

Zúñiga mentioned that the OIJ had alerted both the local Fire Department and the Ministry of Health to ensure they “undertake appropriate measures concerning this confirmed contamination within the room.” He also noted collaboration between the OIJ and the FBI in the United States as they awaited the definitive toxicology results.

“Nevertheless, preliminary investigative findings strongly indicated that the incident stemmed from this contamination, with detected levels reaching as high as 600 parts per million — while the safe level should be zero,” Zúñiga stated earlier.

A representative for the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort issued a statement to Us Weekly on Monday, responding to the OIJ’s carbon monoxide reports: “We deeply regret the recent passing of a minor at our facilities due to causes not yet conclusively determined. We extend our deepest sympathies to the child’s family during this period of profound grief.”

The resort’s statement further added, “We are confident that the ongoing forensic process will objectively, clearly, and definitively establish the true causes of this unfortunate event. Presently, the investigation continues, considering various possibilities proposed by the judicial authorities.”

Family’s Initial Statement on Their Loss

Last month, Brett and Jessica Gardner, Miller’s parents, shared the heartbreaking announcement of their son’s death.

“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. At the young age of 14, he was taken from us far too soon after becoming ill along with several family members while on vacation,” the Gardners stated. “We are left with countless questions and few answers at this time, but we are certain that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”

They lovingly remembered Miller: “Miller was a cherished son and brother, and we cannot yet imagine life without his contagious smile. He was passionate about football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends. He lived each day to its fullest.”