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Photo Miller Gardner (left), is the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees baseball player Brett Michael Gardner (right).
Photos via Instagram.

Costa Costa Rican investigators confirm Miller Gardner died of carbon monoxide poisoning

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Published on Thursday, April 3, 2025

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) confirmed on Wednesday.

Miller Gardner was found dead on Friday, March 21, in a hotel room near Manuel Antonio Beach in Puntarenas Province.

According to OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga-López, they tested Gardner for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound generated when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood.

When carboxyhemoglobin saturation exceeds 50%, it is considered lethal. "In Gardner’s case, the test showed a saturation of 64%," Zúñiga added.

Investigators believe the source of the contamination was a machine room adjacent to the hotel room. Zúñiga stated that carbon monoxide levels of up to 600 parts per million were detected, far exceeding the acceptable level, which should be zero.

“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 (hotel) rooms,” Zúñiga noted.

The head of the judicial police added that, during the autopsy, a “layer” was detected on the young man’s organs, which forms when there is a high presence of the poisonous gas.

“Other drug tests were conducted, including fentanyl and other substances; all were negative,” he confirmed.

The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the FBI, Zúñiga added.

Asphyxiation was initially thought to have caused his death. After an autopsy was performed by the Forensic Pathology Section, that theory was ruled out.

Another line of investigation was into whether the family had suffered food poisoning. Family members had reported feeling ill after dining at a nearby restaurant on the night of March 20 and received treatment from the hotel doctor.

Officials closed the investigation phase. Now, further details, and access to case information are restricted to the victim’s family.

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On Sunday, March 23, Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, issued a statement through the New York Yankees’ social media, announcing their son's passing.

"With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. 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 statement read. "We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21."

The Gardners have requested privacy as they mourn and seek healing.

Brett Gardner (41), played his entire 14-year Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees from 2008 to 2021. He was a key part of the Yankees' 2009 World Series championship team and was known for his speed, defense, and leadership.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica assists families of U.S. citizens who die abroad. Depending on the circumstances, consular officials can guide local funeral arrangements or the repatriation of remains.

"The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States," the Embassy’s website states. "The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, serving as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes."

However, the Embassy does not cover funeral, repatriation, or burial costs. Families are not required to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements, as Embassy representatives can coordinate with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For more information, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

Miller Gardner’s death is one of the recent incidents involving tourists in Costa Rica. Last week, a 76-year-old Canadian tourist, identified as Louissaint, drowned at Flamingo Beach in Guanacaste, after being caught in a rip current.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, oversees criminal investigations and has nationwide jurisdiction.

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What have you heard about expats dying from poisoning while traveling in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com