What began as a spring family vacation turned into a parent’s worst nightmare. Nearly three months since former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner lost his 14-year-old son Miller during a trip to Costa Rica, the questions surrounding the teen’s tragic death remain unanswered.
As of June 2025, Costa Rican authorities have not concluded their investigation, and Gardner — a career Yankee known for his grit and leadership — is still left searching for clarity in the most personal and painful chapter of his life.
A vacation that turned tragic
Instagram / Hampton Abernathy
On March 21, Miller Gardner was found unresponsive at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, a high-end eco-luxury resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The Gardners were vacationing with relatives, and several family members, including Miller, reportedly became ill after dinner the night before.
According to the family’s statement, Miller “passed away peacefully in his sleep.” He was just 14.
The Gardners described the loss as “unimaginable” and said they were left with more questions than answers, emphasizing the suddenness of his passing.
What we know so far about Miller Gardner probe
Initial reports by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department in late March indicated that the cause of death was likely accidental and not due to foul play. That preliminary conclusion changed on April 2, when authorities said Miller died from carbon monoxide poisoning — a finding that deepened concerns and sparked further review.
But more than two months later, prosecutors are still deliberating whether the death should be classified as homicidal or natural.
Sharon Hernandez Coto, a press officer with the Prosecutor’s Office in Quepos and Parrita, confirmed to ESPN that the case remains open, with authorities still working “to determine whether the cause of death was a homicide or not, and, if so, to establish responsibility.”
In her statement, Hernandez clarified that while no definitive conclusion has been reached, “it is not possible at this time to confirm or rule out that a crime has been committed.”
The ambiguity underscores the ongoing complexity of the investigation. No one has been charged. No suspects have been named. And the Gardners remain in limbo.
The medical confusion
TikTok / zoe
Dr. Kevin Gannon, whose clinic responded to the emergency, described the situation as “very confusing.” Speaking to The New York Post, Gannon noted that Miller had no vital signs by the time help arrived. CPR was administered for over 30 minutes, but efforts to revive the teen were unsuccessful.
“We tested him for cardiac arrest,” Gannon said. “There was not really much we could significantly do.”
Brett Gardner, 41, spent his entire 14-year MLB career with the New York Yankees from 2008 to 2021. A clubhouse leader and 2015 All-Star, he earned a reputation for toughness and dependability. Now, that same resilience is being tested in an entirely different arena.
On March 23, the Gardner family released a statement that described Miller as a “beloved son and brother” who “lived life to the fullest every single day.”
“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner. Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss.”
Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
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. We have so many… pic.twitter.com/lBCBVmKGUe
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends… Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute.”
Manager Aaron Boone, who coached Gardner during the final four seasons of his career, called the tragedy “unimaginable.”
Lingering uncertainty and an unfolding investigation
While the official ruling on the cause of death was updated to carbon monoxide poisoning, Costa Rican prosecutors have not closed the book on potential negligence or foul play. It remains unclear how the gas exposure occurred — whether it stemmed from faulty infrastructure, inadequate safety protocols, or other undetermined causes.
The resort, Arenas Del Mar, has not released a public statement detailing any changes in safety measures. Requests for further comment have gone unanswered as the legal process unfolds.
Inside Edition reported that Gardner notified the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica immediately following the tragedy. U.S. officials are reportedly aware of the case and are monitoring the situation in cooperation with Costa Rican authorities, but no additional details have been disclosed publicly.
A family grieving, a case still unresolved
Instagram / Hunter Gardner
The Gardners’ public statements have asked for privacy and space to heal. Still, their message has resonated deeply within the baseball world and beyond. Support has poured in from teammates, coaches, fans, and fellow parents — especially those who’ve experienced the devastating loss of a child.
“Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief,” the Gardners wrote in March.
For now, what the family seeks most is clarity — to understand how and why this happened.
The broader picture
Miller’s tragic death has also prompted a wave of renewed concern over carbon monoxide safety in international resorts, where regulations may differ widely from U.S. standards. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, the incident is a sobering reminder of unseen risks that can accompany luxury stays, especially in areas where enforcement of safety codes may be inconsistent or difficult to verify.
Costa Rica’s tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 8% of its GDP, has seen rapid expansion in recent years, particularly in eco-tourism and boutique resorts. Yet the infrastructure behind the experiences — from ventilation to electrical standards — remains uneven in parts of the country.
This case could force both public health scrutiny and policy changes, depending on the investigation’s outcome.
As June nears its end, the official ruling from Costa Rican authorities remains pending. Whether a crime was committed or not, what’s undeniable is that a young life ended far too soon and a family is left to make sense of the senseless.
The memory of Miller Gardner — his smile, energy, and passion for sports — now lives in the hearts of those who knew him and those who’ve come to know his story.
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