Death of Brett Gardner’s Son: What We Know and What We Still Need Answered

The death of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller, left as many confounding questions as it provided answers. 

Miller died on Friday, March 21, while he was on a family vacation in Costa Rica. His preliminary cause of death was ruled as asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” per an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) on Monday, March 24.

A representative from OIJ told CNN on Tuesday, March 25, that Miller’s cause of death was “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.”

However, an official from OIJ told Us Weekly on Tuesday that asphyxia had been entirely ruled out as the cause. 

Brett Gardner’s Son Miller Was Following In His Footsteps Before His Death

As officials in Costa Rica await toxicology results to confirm Miller’s cause of death, his parents Brett and Jessica and his older brother, Hunter, have been left with “heavy hearts” as they attempt to figure out exactly what happened to Miller. 

For a full breakdown on what we know — and what we still need to find out — keep reading. 

When Did Miller Gardner Die?

Miller died on Friday, March 21, while vacationing with family members at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. 

According to a CNN report, Miller was found dead in his hotel room. 

What Did Brett Gardner and Wife Jessica Say After Son Miller’s Death?

Brett, who played 14 seasons with the Yankees, and Jessica released a statement via his former MLB team on Sunday, March 23.

“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” the statement read. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”

The statement continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

Why Was There Confusion About Miller Gardner’s Cause of Death?

Miller’s preliminary cause of death was said to be due to asphyxia “after a possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” NBC News reported on Monday, March 24. 

Asphyxia is defined as a medical condition that occurs when an individual doesn’t get enough oxygen to the body. Effectively, it was believed that Miller’s airwaves may have been obstructed. 

CNN published a report on Tuesday, March 25, citing a representative from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) who said Miller’s cause of death could be “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.”

However, an official from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) told Us Weekly on Tuesday, March 25, that asphyxia had been ruled out. 

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“After meeting with a doctor from the Forensic Pathology Section of the Judicial Investigation Agency, ruled out the previous cause of death by asphyxiation as the cause of death,” Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia said in a statement to Us. “No marco-level abnormalities were observed in the respiratory tract upon inspection of the body.”

The OIJ official said they are still waiting for the results of toxicology tests to determine whether food poisoning was indeed the cause of death.

When Will Miller Gardner’s Toxicology Report Be Available?

A representative from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police told the New York Post Miller’s results will be available “in two to three months due to the high demand for autopsies being performed in the country due to the increase in homicides.”

“Various samples were sent to the [agency’s] Forensic Science laboratories for three analyses: histology, toxicology and neuropathology,” the representative said. “A study was also requested from the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health at the University of Costa Rica.”

What Has the Costa Rican Resort Said About Miller Gardner’s Death?

In a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday, March 25, the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort broke their silence about Miller’s death. 

“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the resort’s statement said. “The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.”

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The statement continued, “We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”

Will There Be Charges Filed in the Death of Miller Gardner?

The U.S. Department of State acknowledged they were keeping tabs on the circumstances surrounding Miller’s death in a statement to the New York Post on Monday, March 24. 

“We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death,” the statement read. “Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time.”

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​Us Weekly

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