The sudden death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankee Brett Gardner, in Costa Rica is being investigated as a possible case of food poisoning. The teenager passed away last Friday at a luxury resort, and while initial reports suggested asphyxiation as the cause of death, authorities have since ruled this out. They have cautioned that it may take several months to definitively determine the cause of death.
Miller’s death occurred during a family vacation at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, a high-end establishment located outside Manuel Antonio National Park. The Gardners, including Brett, his wife Jessica, and their other son Hunter, had been staying at the resort, where rooms can cost up to $2,000 per night.
The Costa Rican police had previously suggested that Miller may have died from “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food.” The family also reported feeling unwell after dining at a local restaurant. However, both the resort and the Restaurant Le Papillon, where the family had eaten earlier in the week, have denied that the Gardners’ last meal was consumed at their establishments.
According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police, Miller fell ill after the family returned from dinner outside the resort on Thursday. He was treated by the hotel doctor but was found dead the following morning. An examination of Miller’s body revealed that his airways were not obstructed, contradicting initial suspicions that he had choked to death after vomiting in his bed.
The authorities are now awaiting the results of toxicology and other tests from the University of Costa Rica. The results are expected to be available in two to three months due to the high demand for autopsies in the country, which has seen a recent increase in homicides.
The resort has distanced itself from the tragedy, 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 popular fixture 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.
Tags: Brett Gardner, Miller Gardner, food poisoning, Costa Rica, New York Yankees, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, Restaurant Le Papillon, Judicial Investigation Police, CDC
