The sudden passing of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner, in Costa Rica is currently under investigation as a potential case of food poisoning. The teenager’s life was tragically cut short last Friday at a high-end resort. Initial speculations pointed towards asphyxiation as the cause of death, but this has since been dismissed by authorities. They have warned that it could take several months to conclusively establish the cause of death.
The unfortunate incident took place during a family vacation at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, an upscale resort located near Manuel Antonio National Park. The Gardner family, including Brett, his wife Jessica, and their other son Hunter, were guests at the resort, where room rates can reach up to $2,000 per night.
Earlier, Costa Rican police had hinted that Miller’s death could have resulted from “possible intoxication after apparently consuming some food.” The family also reported feeling sick after eating at a local restaurant. However, both the resort and Restaurant Le Papillon, where the family had dined earlier in the week, have refuted claims that the Gardners’ last meal was at their establishments.
According to the Judicial Investigation Police of Costa Rica, Miller fell sick after the family returned from an off-resort dinner on Thursday. Despite receiving treatment from the hotel doctor, he was found lifeless the next morning. A post-mortem examination of Miller’s body showed that his airways were clear, contradicting initial theories that he had choked to death after vomiting.
Authorities are now awaiting the results of toxicology and other tests from the University of Costa Rica. The results are anticipated to be available in two to three months due to the high demand for autopsies in the country, which has seen a recent surge in homicides.
The resort has distanced itself from the tragic incident, stating that the factors leading to the incident are unknown and that they are fully cooperating with authorities. They also expressed their commitment to supporting their guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety while respecting the privacy of those affected.
Brett Gardner, 41, is a former All-Star and was part of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship team. He played outfield for the Bronx Bombers for 14 years and was a beloved figure on the team until his retirement after the 2021 season.
While it is not yet clear whether Miller’s death was linked to food poisoning, it is worth noting that thousands of Americans die from eating contaminated food each year. A study of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data published in February estimated that 3,000 people die each year from food-related illnesses. In less developed parts of the world, where sanitation and refrigeration are not as readily available, fatal food poisoning is much more common.