Credited from: CBSNEWS
The tragic death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, is now under investigation as authorities in Costa Rica revealed significant levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the hotel room where he was staying. The confirmation came from the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), which indicated tests indicated "high emissions of carbon monoxide contamination."
Miller, who died on March 21 while vacationing with his family at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, was initially reported to have passed away in his sleep after feeling unwell. Authorities had considered possibilities ranging from food poisoning to asphyxiation, but the latest findings suggest inhalation of hazardous gases may have played a critical role in his demise.
According to OIJ Director Rándall Zúñiga, tests conducted showed levels of carbon monoxide reaching up to 600 parts per million, a dangerously high figure given that the acceptable level is zero for safe occupancy. The room where the Gardners stayed was reportedly adjacent to a “specialized machine room,” which may have been responsible for the gas leak. ABC News notes that symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, and confusion, all of which reportedly echoed the family's experiences during their stay.
Following Miller's unexpected death, a medical emergency response team performed CPR for 30 minutes, but unfortunately, it was too late. A spokesperson for the hotel expressed heartfelt condolences to the Gardners and emphasized their cooperation with ongoing investigations: "We trust that the forensic process will objectively clarify the causes of this unfortunate incident.” The hotel has refrained from commenting on specific theories related to the cause of death as investigations are still underway.
As the investigation progresses, the family, while mourning the loss of a beloved son and brother, appreciates the support from their community. They expressed hope that clarity will come as forensic testing continues, as they remember Miller as someone who brought joy into their lives. The FBI has joined the investigation to ensure a comprehensive approach to understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
A report from HuffPost highlights that many questions remain, including the final results of autopsy and toxicology tests that could take several months to complete. As details emerge, the family wishes to protect their privacy while actively seeking answers that might prevent similar tragedies in the future.