Costa Rican authorities are investigating the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, as a possible case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) announced.

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

Initially, investigators suspected asphyxiation due to a possible food-related illness. However, OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga-López said Monday that the focus has shifted to carbon monoxide poisoning following tests conducted in the hotel room where the teenager was found.

"OIJ experts detected high levels of carbon monoxide in the room," Zúñiga said at a news conference. "This suggests that hazardous gas inhalation may have been the cause of death."

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.

Authorities are awaiting forensic toxicology results to confirm the findings. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the FBI, Zúñiga added.

Officials have not released further details, and access to case information is restricted to the victim’s family.

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. On Saturday, 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.