Authorities confirm the cause of death for Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son Miller
The official cause of death for Miller Gardner has been revealed following a two-week investigation.
Miller, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, died in his sleep on March 21 while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica.
On April 2, Randall Zúñiga — director of the Judicial Investigation Agency in Costa Rica — confirmed with The Associated Press that Miller’s death was a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
During the autopsy, authorities tested Miller for carboxyhemoglobin, “a compound generated when carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin in the blood,” per the AP.
In addition to finding a “layer” of the compound on Miller’s organs, the agency found a carboxyhemoglobin saturation level of 64%.
The AP reports that any saturation level of over 50% is considered lethal.
“It’s important to note that adjacent to this room is a dedicated machine room, where it’s believed there may be some type of contamination toward these rooms,” Zúñiga told the AP.
Zúñiga’s comment comes two days after he confirmed in a March 31 press conference that “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” were found in Miller’s hotel room, per Us Weekly.
Miller and his family were staying in the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica at the time of his death.
On April 1, the resort refuted claims that carbon monoxide could be the cause of Miller’s death.
“We understand the concern has grown and to clarify the high levels of carbon monoxide were in a mechanical room that guests do not occupy,” Dana Cohen, a spokesperson for the resort, told Us Weekly.
“The levels in the hotel room were non-existent and non-lethal,” Cohen continued in the statement. “There was an error in this initial reporting.”
The initial cause of death was believed to be asphyxiation, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, per Cleveland Clinic.
That theory was ruled out after an autopsy was conducted by the Forensic Pathology Section, per the AP.
Authorities were also looking into food poisoning after Miller’s family reported feeling ill after eating at a nearby restaurant the night before.
The family received treatment from a hotel doctor, the AP reports, but that theory was also ruled out by authorities.
News of Miller’s death was confirmed on March 23 when the New York Yankees shared a statement from the teen’s parents — Brett and Jessica Gardner — in a post on X.
“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read.
“He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the Gardners continued.
They described Miller as a “beloved son and brother” who enjoyed football, baseball, golf, hunting and fishing.
“We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time,” they added. “We are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Brett Gardner, 41, was drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and made his debut with the team in 2008, per Baseball Reference.
He spent 14 seasons with the club, which included a World Series win in 2009 and an All-Star appearance in 2015. He retired with a .256 batting average and 1,470 hits in 1,688 games played.
Along with Miller, Brett and Jessica Gardner share a second son, Hunter Gardner.
