The mysterious death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner at a luxury Costa Rican resort remains under investigation as authorities confirm carbon monoxide poisoning while not ruling out homicide.

At a Glance

• Miller Gardner, 14-year-old son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner, died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a Costa Rican resort on March 21
• Costa Rican authorities have not ruled out homicide, with prosecutors stating they are determining if the death was “natural or homicidal”
• Lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide were found, though the resort denied its presence in Miller’s room
• The family fell ill after dining at an outside restaurant, with Miller later found not breathing
• The investigation remains open nearly three months later, with evidence collection ongoing

Investigation Continues as Authorities Consider Homicide

Nearly three months after the tragic death of Miller Gardner at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica, authorities continue to investigate whether the carbon monoxide poisoning that claimed the 14-year-old’s life was accidental or intentional. Sharon Hernandez Coto, a spokesperson for the Costa Rican Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed to media outlets that homicide has not been ruled out in the March 21 death of the son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.

“The purpose of the investigation is precisely to determine whether or not we are dealing with a possible homicide,” a spokeswoman for the Prosecutor’s Office of Costa Rica told ESPN on Thursday. “For this reason, it is not possible at this time to confirm or rule out that a crime has been committed.”

The investigation is following Costa Rica’s three-stage process: evidence collection and analysis, filing formal charges if warranted, and a possible trial. While officials remain tight-lipped about which stage the case has reached, they continue gathering information about the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death. Coto emphasized the private nature of the ongoing investigation, limiting public details.

Carbon Monoxide Confirmed as Cause of Death

Toxicology reports revealed that Miller died from carbon monoxide inhalation after initially misleading theories about food poisoning or medication reactions circulated. Randall Zuniga from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) confirmed lethal levels of the colorless, odorless gas were present. Tests for other substances, including fentanyl, came back negative, reinforcing carbon monoxide as the sole cause.

“Concentrations above 50% are already lethal. In this case, the saturation percentage is higher, thus proving the police’s hypothesis that the death was due to exposure to carbon monoxide,” he said. “Other drug tests were conducted, including fentanyl and other substances; all were negative.”

The resort has denied carbon monoxide was present in Miller’s room, attributing detected gas to a mechanical room not occupied by guests. This contradiction represents one of several unanswered questions investigators continue to examine. Initial theories suggested death by asphyxiation from choking on vomit, but autopsy results showed no windpipe blockage.

Family’s Tragic Vacation and Ongoing Grief

The Gardner family, including Brett Gardner who played for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021 and won a World Series in 2009, fell ill after dining at an outside restaurant near the resort. Miller was later found not breathing, and despite medical intervention, could not be revived. The family announced their son’s death through the Yankees organization, expressing their profound grief and questions about the circumstances.

“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and others will be felt for years,” the family wrote. “Miller’s time here with [his friends and family] was brief, but his spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived. Miller was so blessed with experiences and friendships in his 14 years, and would want other children to have the opportunity to create their own wonderful memories.”

The family has maintained public silence since publishing Miller’s obituary on March 31, allowing the investigation to proceed while they privately mourn their devastating loss. The obituary characterized Miller as having a lively nature with an ability to inspire those around him, painting the picture of a vibrant young man whose life was tragically cut short.

Resort Safety Questions Emerge

The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols at luxury resorts regarding carbon monoxide detection. The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort’s claim that the gas originated from a mechanical room not accessible to guests contradicts findings that lethal concentrations were present where Miller was found. Authorities are examining whether proper safety measures were in place and functioning correctly.

“For this reason, it is not possible at this time to confirm or rule out that a crime has been committed. The aim is to determine whether it was a natural or homicidal death.”, said Sharon Hernandez Coto.

As the investigation continues, local officials are meticulously reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the resort’s infrastructure. The potential for criminal charges hinges on determining whether negligence or intentional actions led to the fatal carbon monoxide exposure. The Gardner family and their supporters await answers as authorities work to uncover the full truth behind this heartbreaking tragedy.