SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – The tragic death of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner’s teenage son, Miller Gardner, has been determined to be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning by authorities in Costa Rica. This revelation came after a thorough investigation by the Judicial Investigation Agency.
The 14-year-old was found to have a dangerously high saturation of carboxyhemoglobin in his blood, exceeding the lethal threshold of 50%. The presence of a “layer” detected on the boy’s organs during the autopsy indicated a high level of the poisonous gas in his system.
Initial suspicions of asphyxiation were dispelled following the autopsy, leading authorities to focus on carbon monoxide poisoning as the likely cause of death. This development shifted the investigation away from concerns of food poisoning after family members fell ill following a meal at a local restaurant the night before Miller’s passing.
Brett Gardner, a former player with the New York Yankees, had been vacationing with his family at a beachside hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, at the time of the tragedy. The 41-year-old outfielder had dedicated his entire major league career to the Yankees, showcasing his speed and skill over 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021. Throughout his career, Gardner earned a reputation as a reliable player, contributing to the team’s success with his impressive batting average and base stealing ability.
The local authorities in Costa Rica emphasized the importance of safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future, highlighting the potential dangers of carbon monoxide buildup and the necessity for proper ventilation systems. The tragic loss of Miller Gardner serves as a stark reminder of the silent threat posed by the lethal gas and the importance of taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of individuals in enclosed spaces.