Carbon monoxide poisoning led to the tragic death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, according to authorities in Costa Rica. This heartbreaking incident occurred while the family was visiting a hotel near Manuel Antonio beach.
The Judicial Investigation Agency’s director, Randall Zúñiga, explained that Miller was tested for carboxyhemoglobin, which is found when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood. Levels above 50% are dangerous, and in Miller’s case, the test revealed a shocking 64% saturation.
Zúñiga mentioned that a nearby machine room might have contaminated the area where Miller was staying. During the autopsy, a layer of substance was found on his organs, indicating exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide.
Initially, officials suspected asphyxiation as the cause of death. However, this was dismissed after the autopsy results came in. There were also concerns about possible food poisoning, as family members reported feeling unwell after dining at a nearby restaurant the night before Miller’s death.
Brett Gardner played for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021, making a significant impact in Major League Baseball. His career stats include a .256 batting average, 139 home runs, and 274 stolen bases.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide, which is often called a “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 400 people in the U.S. die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s crucial to ensure that living and recreational spaces are well-ventilated and equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, you can visit the CDC’s Carbon Monoxide page.
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