Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health is currently conducting an investigation following the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner. Miller fell seriously ill and passed away while vacationing with his family at a resort in Costa Rica on March 21.

The investigation was announced on April 4, shortly after the Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) revealed the cause of death: carbon monoxide exposure. According to OIJ director Randall Zúñiga, Miller had a carboxyhemoglobin level of 64%—a high amount that indicates significant carbon monoxide presence in the bloodstream. A level above 50% is generally fatal.
Zúñiga mentioned there is a mechanical room adjacent to Miller’s hotel room where contamination might have occurred. This adds urgency to the investigation and raises concerns about safety at the resort, especially with regard to ventilation and carbon monoxide detection.
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort has responded to these claims, stating that no dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were found in the guest rooms. A resort spokesperson emphasized that any heightened readings were confined to the mechanical room, which guests do not access. They’ve requested further investigation to clarify any misunderstandings.
In an emotional obituary, the Gardner family described Miller as a bright eighth Grader and active in sports, loved by friends and family. They expressed sorrow over how deeply his loss will be felt in their lives.
This tragic incident has sparked conversations online, with many sharing their sympathies and concerns about resort safety practices. Recent reports show a significant uptick in hotel-related safety inquiries, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and monitoring procedures, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
For further details on hotel safety measures, you may find insights from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission valuable.