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Following the death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner at a Costa Rican resort last month, the establishment has disputed assertions that elevated carbon monoxide levels contributed to the tragedy. The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort addressed the initial theory as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gardner’s death.
Resort Dismisses Carbon Monoxide Link in Teen’s Death
According to Dana Cohen, a spokesperson for Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, concerns regarding high carbon monoxide levels are misplaced. In a statement released Tuesday, April 1, Cohen clarified to Us Weekly that elevated carbon monoxide readings were detected solely in a mechanical room, an area inaccessible to guests. “The carbon monoxide levels in the hotel room were negligible and posed no threat,” Cohen stated, attributing the initial reports to an error. “As we have stated, we are awaiting definitive findings to ascertain the cause of this regrettable death.”
Room Closed as Precaution; Resort Cooperates with Investigation
Arenas Del Mar affirmed that the room where Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, passed away on March 21, remains closed as a precautionary measure. The resort reiterated its full cooperation with Costa Rican judicial authorities in their ongoing investigation.
Conflicting Reports Emerge from Costa Rican Authorities
The resort’s statement directly contradicts a theory previously presented by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) on Monday, March 31.
OIJ Suggests Carbon Monoxide Inhalation as Potential Cause
Randall Zúñiga, General Director of the OIJ, indicated in a virtual press communication that Miller Gardner “may have died from inhaling” carbon monoxide.
Zúñiga confirmed the detection of “high carbon monoxide contamination levels” following tests conducted by a specialized hazardous materials unit from the Fire Department, along with forensic analysis by OIJ investigators.
Mechanical Room Under Scrutiny
Zúñiga further explained, “It is crucial to note the presence of a specialized mechanical room adjacent to the family’s lodging. It is believed that some form of carbon monoxide contamination may have emanated from this room, potentially impacting the guest rooms and contributing to this incident.”
The OIJ reported alarming carbon monoxide contamination levels, reaching “as high as 600 parts per million” in the vicinity of the room. Zúñiga emphasized the severity, stating, “The acceptable level in such cases should be zero.”
Resort Refutes OIJ Findings, Awaits Forensic Results
Following the OIJ’s preliminary report, Arenas Del Mar issued a statement to Us Weekly addressing the agency’s findings. The resort expressed “deep regret regarding the recent death of a minor at our facilities due to undetermined causes.” The statement further conveyed “sincere condolences to the child’s family and loved ones during this period of immense grief” and reiterated their “respectful and diligent collaboration with Costa Rican judicial authorities,” who are leading the investigation.
The resort’s statement continued, “We are confident that the forensic procedures will objectively, clearly, and conclusively determine the actual causes of this regrettable incident. In the interim, the investigation will proceed with an analysis of the various hypotheses presented by the judicial authorities.”
Investigation Ongoing, Autopsy Expected in Months
Miller Gardner’s body was discovered in his hotel room on the morning of March 21, while he was vacationing with his family in the Manuel Antonio tourist area. Official autopsy and toxicology reports are anticipated to take several months to be finalized.