Since the ruling out of Miller Gardners preliminary cause of death, new details about his passing have emerged, including the current manner of death and a statement from the resort where the teen died.
On Monday, March 31, 2025, authorities in Costa Rica released new information concerning the passing of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees star Brett Gardner. These details come amid the teens family sharing information about Millers funeral plans.
In a significant development, investigators in Costa Rica are now considering carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death.
According to Randall Zúñiga, general director of the countrys Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ), tests conducted at the resort where the teen died revealed “high levels” of the noxious gas in the room where the Gardner family had been staying.
The room was located adjacent to a mechanical area. During a virtual press conference, the OIJ director emphasized that the nearby specialized machine room may have leaked contaminants into the familys accommodation — a chilling possibility that has shifted the trajectory of the investigation.
The probe, now being conducted in tandem with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), remains ongoing as authorities await final toxicology reports.
Still, preliminary readings indicate carbon monoxide concentrations as high as 600 parts per million, a level considered highly dangerous in enclosed spaces, as “the appropriate level in this case should be zero.”
Despite the mounting evidence suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning, the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort has pushed back against the claim, firmly denying that the teens hotel room contained lethal levels of the gas.
In a statement provided to The Post, the resort asserted that the carbon monoxide levels in the room were “non-existent and non-lethal,” adding, “There was an error in this initial reporting.”
While the resort did acknowledge that carbon monoxide was indeed detected on the property, it maintained that the elevated readings came from a mechanical room not accessible to guests.
The resort also emphasized that the space had been promptly sealed off “out of an abundance of caution” and reiterated that they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation as they await final confirmation regarding the cause of Millers tragic passing.
When news of Millers sudden death first broke, Costa Rican authorities pointed to asphyxiation as the preliminary cause. At the time, investigators suggested that Miller Gardner may have gotten ill after ingesting food, potentially leading to intoxication and subsequent respiratory distress.
The theory, based on early observations and interviews, was presented by a representative from Costa Ricas OIJ, who indicated that the teens symptoms appeared consistent with a food-related incident during the familys vacation.
Shortly after releasing their initial findings, Costa Rican officials issued a reversal of their preliminary conclusion, stating that asphyxiation no longer appeared to be the cause of the 14-year-olds death.
The shift came after consultation with a pathologist following a review of the condition of the teens body during the official examination. According to a representative from the countrys Judicial Investigation Agency, “no anomaly was observed at macro level in the respiratory tract.”
The recent details surrounding Millers death come amid his familys announcement regarding the plans for his funeral.
The Gardner family stated that they will hold a private celebration of life at a later date for family and close friends. However, in memory of Miller, his family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org.
Jessica and Brett Gardner, and their sons attend the CCandy Childrens Clothing Line Launch at MLB Fan Cave in New York City on August 8, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
They believe Miller would have wanted other children to experience the same joy and adventures he did. Additionally, the family shared that those who wish to plant trees in Millers memory may visit Sympathy Store. Well-wishers may also leave a memorial message for the family by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com.
Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees poses with his family prior to the preview of the CCandy line during the CCandy Fashion Show. | Source: Getty Images
Miller, born on October 24, 2010, in Charleston, South Carolina, was an eighth-grade student at Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville.
He was an Honor Roll student and a member of the middle school football and junior varsity baseball teams. Outside of school, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, riding dirt bikes, and traveling with his family.
He is survived by his parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, and his older brother, Hunter Gardner. The teen also leaves behind his grandparents, Faye and Jerry Gardner, Susan Clendenin and Tom Clendenin (Carrie), as well as uncles Glen Gardner, Josh Clendenin (Jobria), and JT Clendenin.
According to a statement released by Brett and his wife, Jessica, their son passed away in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21, 2025.
Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees reacts to the 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals after the game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City on May 11, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
In a message shared by the New York Yankees on X, the Gardners expressed their grief, “With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.”
The statement noted that the family has “so many questions and so few answers at this point,” but confirmed that Millers passing was peaceful.
Jessica, Miller, and Brett Gardner posing for photos at the CCandy Childrens Clothing Line Launch. | Source: Getty Images
Miller was described as a beloved son and brother who brought joy to those around him. The Gardners also expressed gratitude for the support they have received, “We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Brett and Jessica extended their prayers to Millers teammates, friends, and other families who have experienced similar tragedies. The message concluded on the note, “Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
Following the announcement, the Yankees organization released a statement expressing their condolences to the Gardner family. “Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team shared on Facebook.
The message acknowledged the deep connection the Gardners had with the Yankees, “It wasnt just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.” The Yankees described Miller as having “a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.”
They also pledged their unwavering support for the family, “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. May Miller rest in peace.”
Brett Gardner prepares to bat during the game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Maryland on September 16, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Jack Curry, a longtime commentator for the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, also paid tribute to Miller on X.
“My deepest condolences to Brett and Jessica Gardner on the passing of Miller, their 14-year-old son. Its incomprehensible to even ponder what their family is going through right now. During his career, Gardner was as respected as any Yankee. Sending endless prayers,” he wrote.
Brett Gardner at bat against the Cleveland Indians during the fifth inning in New York City on September 17, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
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Carlos Mendoza, former Yankees bench coach and current baseball manager, opened a press conference by expressing his condolences while visibly emotional. “Id like to start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of their son,” Carlos said.
He also reflected on his relationship with Brett, “Obviously, I had a really good relationship with him, and were thinking about him, along with the whole Mets organization.”
Read also
Preliminary Investigation Reveals New Details in Death of Brett Gardners 14-Year-Old Son — Reports
Funeral Details for Brett Gardners 14-Year-Old Son, Miller, Announced
Former Yankees Player Brett Gardners 14-Year-Old Son Dies During Family Vacation
Carlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets looks on during spring training workouts at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida on February 17, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Carlos recalled playing alongside Brett in the minor leagues in 2006 and 2007, later coaching him in the majors. He also shed light on the connection between Miller and his brother, Hunter, “I got to know the two boys, too, and they were pretty close.”
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Miller shared his fathers passion for sports, particularly baseball. A TikTok video he posted on March 9, 2025, features a series of snapshots capturing him on the field, wearing a jersey with the number 11 — his dads iconic Yankees number.
With the overlaid text reading “Miss it,” the clip has now become a poignant tribute to his love for the game and Bretts legacy, resonating deeply with those mourning his loss.
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Bretts bond with his family was even evident during his playing career. In a 2021 Q&A feature in the July Issue of the Yankees Magazine, he spoke about his future after baseball.
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Brett Gardner reacts during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City on July 16, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
“I plan to be a much more present husband and father, and also spend more time with my parents, my brother, and other family and friends who I havent been around much for the last 15 years,” he said at the time.
Brett also mentioned his interest in coaching youth baseball, a passion that now holds even greater meaning following Millers passing.
Brett Gardner in action against the Tampa Bay Rays in New York City on October 3, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
The Yankees community, along with the wider baseball world, continues to grieve the loss of Miller, remembering him as a bright, passionate young man who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
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