Miller Gardner, the youngest son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died on March 21 at the age of 14 while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica.
Carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death, authorities in Costa Rica confirmed on April 2. High levels of the toxic gas had been detected in testing of the family’s hotel room.
Here is what we know about Miller Gardner’s death.
What happened to Miller Gardner?
Miller Gardner’s parents said in a statement that he died in his sleep after he and several other family members fell ill while vacationing. They did not elaborate on who else had gotten sick, what specific illness they were dealing with or what symptoms they had experienced.
Where were the Gardners staying?
The Gardners were vacationing at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, which is along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, some 50 miles south of San José.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the resort said in a statement on Tuesday, March 25. “The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate. We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”
The resort also told CBS News that hotel staff responded to the incident according to protocol, saying: “The hotel staff dispatched a medical team immediately, including a licensed doctor, which arrived to handle the emergency situation. Any medical attention to the family was done by medical professionals. Our staff did not administer any medical treatment.”
What are officials saying about the cause of death?
Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, or OIJ, said on March 31 that investigators conducted testing in the hotel room where Gardner was staying and found high levels of carbon monoxide, which he said may have been caused by machinery in the room next door. The contamination they found led investigators to believe Gardner “may have died from inhaling these highly dangerous gases,” Zúñiga said.
The cause of death was confirmed after Gardner was tested for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound generated when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, according to Zúñiga. The test showed a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 64%. Saturation is considered lethal when it exceeds 50%.
The head of Costa Rica’s judicial police also said that a “layer” was detected during the autopsy on Gardner’s organs. That layer forms due to a high presence of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels in equipment such as cars, furnaces, stoves, certain heaters and generators. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
Zúñiga said the investigation was “closely coordinated” with the FBI.
The hotel told CBS News in a statement on March 31 that it was diligently cooperating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who have taken over the investigation.”
“We trust that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively clarify the causes of this unfortunate incident,” the hotel said.
The OIJ director had said it was conducting three types of analyses, including a toxicology report, at its forensic science laboratories.
Why did early reports say the cause was food poisoning or “food intoxication”?
Asphyxiation was initially thought to be the cause of death, although that theory was ruled out after an autopsy performed by the Forensic Pathology Section. An initial statement had said: “Preliminary reports indicate the cause of death is asphyxiation following possible food poisoning.”
Some news outlets quoted a local official who cited possible “food intoxication,” but there is no condition by that name, and it appears in this context to have meant the same thing as food poisoning.
Following the reports of possible food poisoning, Hotel La Mariposa, located less than a mile from where the Gardners were staying, released a statement to address what it called “misinformation circulating on social media.”
“The Gardner family dined at our restaurant, Le Papillon, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 18, 2025—three days before Miller’s tragic passing. Any claims suggesting a link between our restaurant and this heartbreaking event are entirely false and unfounded,” the restaurant said. “Any news, statements, or claims to the contrary do not reflect the reality of the situation. Furthermore, we do not have any additional information, as the Gardner family did not stay at our hotel.” The hotel also extended its “heartfelt condolences to the Gardner family.”
The Arenas Del Mar resort, where the Gardners were staying, said in a statement, “The family did not eat at any of Arenas Del Mar’s restaurants for lunch or dinner the previous day. Additionally, on March 14th, we had an inspection by the Health Ministry in which the hotel passed with a 98.5 out of 100.”
What has the Gardner family said?
In a statement before the cause of death was confirmed, Miller Gardner’s parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, said they had “so many questions and so few answers.”
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” they said. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
“We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss,” their statement continued. “Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.”
An obituary posted online described Miller Gardner as an Honor Roll student who played football and baseball and loved traveling with his family.
“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and others will be felt for years,” it said. “Miller’s time here with them was brief but his spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived.”
What have the New York Yankees said?
The New York Yankees, where Brett Gardner played for 14 years, released the following statement after news of Miller Gardner’s death became public.
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner. Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.
We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.
Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time.
May Miller rest in peace.”
Who is Brett Gardner?
Brett Gardner is a former baseball player who spent his entire professional career with the New York Yankees. Originally from North Carolina, he was initially drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and was first called up in 2008 before becoming a regular starter the following season. During his 14 MLB seasons, the outfielder won one World Series in 2009, earned an All-Star appearance in 2015 and a Gold Glove Award in 2016.
As a rookie, Gardner scored the final run in the old Yankee Stadium in 2008, which was replaced the following year.
His final season was in 2021.
contributed to this report.
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