By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-26 05:41:35 | Updated at 2025-03-29 08:36:44
3 days ago
The tragic death of Miller Gardner has taken another devastating twist as Costa Rican authorities now claim the son of Yankees champion Brett Gardner may have had a bad reaction to medication.
Gardner and his wife Jessica made the tragic announcement Sunday that their 14-year-old son had died from a sudden illness after the entire family got sick while on vacation in the Central American country.
'Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,' Brett and Jessica Gardner said.
But his sudden death has been met with shifting explanations as it now appears the teen may have never stood a chance after being given bad medication.
The country's Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) initially attributed Miller's death to 'asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.'
But investigators then revealed to CNN that asphyxia had been ruled out, as there was no obstruction of the teen's airway.
Now authorities are probing whether Miller was allergic to any medicine he was given, has according to ABC News.
The shocking reversal comes after the entire family fell ill after returning to their resort from dinner on Thursday night.
While the family meal did not occur at the Arenas Del Mar resort where they were staying, the resort said a licensed doctor was dispatched to 'handle the emergency situation.'
Ex-Yankees star Brett Gardner's son Miller died while the family were on vacation in Costa Rica
Miller Gardner (second right) died over the weekend, his parents Brett and Jessica announced
'Our hotel protocol at Arenas Del Mar does not allow for hotel staff to provide any medication to guests,' the resort added.
The family is still searching for answers as it is believed that an autopsy could take two or three months to be completed.
Police from the nearby town of Quepos are now leading the investigation, and have began questioning resort employees.
Miller and his family were staying at the $900 per night beachfront resort when he was found dead on Friday morning.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Arenas Del Mar resort told DailyMail.Com they were 'deeply saddened by this loss.'
'Our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,' the hotel said in a statement. 'The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.
'We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.'
The exclusive resort is located in the rainforest town of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
In announcing their son's death over the weekend, Miller's parents Brett and Jessica acknowledged that they had 'so many questions' regarding his tragic passing.
The family was staying at the luxurious Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Gardner spent his entire Major League Baseball career as an outfielder with the Yankees
'He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.'
They continued: '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.'
Gardner, 41, played 14 seasons with the Yankees between 2008 and 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series-winning team, also earning an All-Star selection in 2015.
The outfielder spent his entire career in pinstripes and was highly respected within the organization, who have offered their condolences to his family.
