In a tragic turn of events, authorities in Costa Rica have confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death for 14-year-old Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. The announcement was made on Wednesday night by Randall Zúñiga, the director of the Judicial Investigation Agency.
Director Zúñiga revealed that Miller Gardner underwent testing for carboxyhemoglobin, a harmful compound that forms when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Medical experts consider a saturation level of carboxyhemoglobin exceeding 50% to be lethal; in this case, the testing indicated a concerning saturation level of 64%.
According to Zúñiga, the tragic incident occurred in a hotel room, adjacent to a dedicated machine room. It is suspected that this machine room may have contributed to the contamination that ultimately led to the poisoning. During the autopsy, forensic specialists discovered a layer on the boy's organs, which is indicative of high exposure to carbon monoxide.
Miller Gardner tragically passed away on March 21 while vacationing with his family at a hotel located on the beautiful Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica's Central Pacific region. Initially, authorities suspected that asphyxiation might have caused his untimely death. However, after a thorough autopsy conducted by the Forensic Pathology Section, this theory was dismissed.
Another line of inquiry emerged regarding potential food poisoning, as family members reported feeling unwell after dining at a nearby restaurant on the evening of March 20. They sought medical attention from the hotel doctor shortly thereafter.
Brett Gardner, now 41 years old, was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2005 and dedicated his entire major league career to the team. Over 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021, he achieved impressive statistics, batting .256 with 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, 274 stolen bases, and 73 triples. His commitment to the Yankees has made him a beloved figure in the world of baseball.
The heart-wrenching loss of Miller Gardner has not only affected his family but has also resonated deeply within the sports community and beyond. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues, emphasizing the importance of safety in environments where potential hazards, such as carbon monoxide, may exist.
