NEW YORK CITY — Authorities have confirmed that Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. Randall Zúñiga, the director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, explained that Miller Gardner was tested for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound formed when carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood. The test revealed a lethal saturation level of 64 percent, well above the 50 percent threshold for fatal exposure.
Zúñiga indicated that the likely source of the carbon monoxide was a nearby machine room, which could have been contaminated and leaked the poisonous gas into the family’s accommodations. During the autopsy, a distinct “layer” was found on the young boy’s organs, which typically forms when there is significant carbon monoxide exposure.
Miller passed away in his sleep on March 21 while staying with his family at the Arenas Del Mar Resort in Manuel Antonio. Before his death, the family had felt ill after dining at a restaurant near their resort, which initially led some to speculate food poisoning as the cause. However, Costa Rican authorities ruled out asphyxiation, as Miller’s respiratory tract was clear. The initial suspicion of “food intoxication” was later dismissed.
The resort’s medical team treated Gardner before his death. A spokesperson for Arenas Del Mar Resort expressed condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family.”
Brett Gardner, 41, had a 14-year career with the Yankees after being drafted in 2005. He played as an outfielder, finishing with a .256 batting average, 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, 274 stolen bases, and 73 triples over his 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021.
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