On March 21, 2025, what was meant to be a relaxing family getaway for the Gardners at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica took a tragic turn. Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died in his sleep during their vacation, a loss that has sent shockwaves through both the sports world and the tight-knit community of Manuel Antonio beach.
Initial reports from the New York Yankees, as cited by the Associated Press, stated that Miller Gardner died of asphyxiation. However, after further investigation, Costa Rican authorities finalized the cause of death on April 2 as carbon monoxide poisoning. This revelation has prompted a months-long investigation, culminating in a second raid of the resort by Costa Rican prosecutors nearly six months after the incident.
The first raid occurred just a week after Miller's death, on March 28, 2025. According to CNN, hazardous materials specialists from the Costa Rican Fire Department and forensic engineers from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) were involved in that operation. Their inspection confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide in the room where the Gardner family was staying. The Prosecutor’s Office explained, “That initial inspection allowed for measurements of hazardous atmospheres and the detection of carbon monoxide in the room where the Gardner family was staying.”
With the investigation far from over, the Prosecutor’s Office for the province of Kepos and Parrita launched a second raid on September 11, 2025. This time, authorities seized documentary and digital evidence, aiming to clarify the circumstances that led to Miller’s death. The search was prompted by a request from the Kepos prosecutor’s office, which had been asked to broaden the scope of the investigation, as confirmed by the local OIJ office. The prosecutors made it clear that their efforts were directed at determining whether the tragedy was the result of involuntary manslaughter due to a breach of duty of care—a legal standard that could point to negligence by the resort or its staff.
“These proceedings seek to confirm or rule out the possibility of negligent homicide, that is, to determine whether this person’s death was caused by a breach of duty of care. For now, no one has been charged,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office stated in a release, as reported by the Associated Press. As of Friday following the second raid, authorities had not provided additional updates on the investigation’s outcome.
The tragic loss of Miller Gardner has resonated far beyond the walls of the resort. Brett Gardner, who spent his entire 14-year Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees and celebrated a World Series win in 2009, retired after the 2021 season. The Yankees organization expressed their condolences and support for the Gardner family, and the baseball community has rallied around them in the months since the incident.
The investigation has been painstaking, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the international attention it has garnered. The initial assessment after the first raid was crucial, as it established the presence of a hazardous atmosphere in the resort room. This finding raised immediate questions about the safety protocols at the Arenas Del Mar resort, as well as the potential for similar risks in other vacation properties throughout the region.
During Thursday’s raid, prosecutors focused on collecting evidence that could further clarify whether the resort’s management or staff failed to meet their duty of care. The seizure of documentary and digital evidence is expected to shed light on maintenance records, safety checks, and any prior incidents involving carbon monoxide at the property. The goal, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, is to “confirm or refute whether the incident constitutes a crime of involuntary manslaughter, i.e., whether a person’s death resulted from a breach of duty of care.”
Despite the intense scrutiny, no suspects have been identified, and no charges have been filed as of the most recent update. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the importance of a thorough and impartial process. The Associated Press noted that prosecutors are working diligently to ensure all relevant facts are uncovered before making any determinations about criminal responsibility.
The Gardner family, understandably devastated, has largely refrained from public comment as the investigation unfolds. Requests for statements from both Brett Gardner and the management of the Arenas Del Mar resort have not been met with responses, as reported by CNN. This silence reflects both the sensitivity of the ongoing legal proceedings and the profound grief experienced by the family.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, while rare in vacation settings, is a well-known hazard that can result from faulty appliances, inadequate ventilation, or lapses in building maintenance. The World Health Organization and other safety agencies have long warned of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can be lethal in enclosed spaces. This case has renewed calls for stricter safety regulations and more rigorous inspections in hotels and resorts, particularly in tourist destinations where international guests may be unfamiliar with local safety standards.
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, nestled in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, is renowned for its luxury accommodations and eco-friendly ethos. However, the resort now finds itself at the center of a high-profile investigation with potentially far-reaching consequences for the country’s tourism industry. As the investigation continues, many in Costa Rica and abroad are watching closely to see how authorities handle the case—and whether new policies will emerge to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The death of Miller Gardner is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance, even in the most idyllic of settings. As Costa Rican prosecutors press forward with their inquiry, the hope is that answers will emerge, accountability will be established if warranted, and steps will be taken to ensure such a loss does not befall another family. The pain of the Gardner family’s loss is immeasurable, but their story may ultimately lead to greater awareness and improved safety for travelers everywhere.
For now, the world waits for the results of the investigation, hoping that justice—and perhaps some measure of closure—will follow in time.