The tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, has sent shockwaves through the baseball community and the tourism sector in Costa Rica. Miller died unexpectedly while vacationing with his family at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort on March 21, 2025. Initial reports suggested that he may have succumbed to food poisoning, but authorities have since shifted their focus to carbon monoxide poisoning as the potential cause of death.
On March 31, 2025, Randall Zúñiga, the general director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ), announced that tests conducted in the family’s hotel room revealed dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide contamination, reaching as high as 600 parts per million. This level is alarmingly above the safe threshold, which should be zero, and is considered lethal within minutes of exposure. Zúñiga indicated that the contamination likely stemmed from a mechanical room adjacent to the Gardners’ hotel room.
Doctors attempted to revive Miller for over 30 minutes after he was found unresponsive, but their efforts were in vain. The tragedy unfolded after the Gardner family had experienced severe stomach cramps and other symptoms following a meal at an outdoor restaurant the night before. While the initial theory of food poisoning was ruled out, the investigation remains ongoing as officials await the final toxicology results, which could take months.
The news of Miller’s passing has not only devastated his family but has also raised concerns about safety standards in tourist accommodations across Central America. Just weeks prior to this incident, three American tourists died in Belize from carbon monoxide poisoning under similar circumstances, prompting calls for stricter regulations and awareness regarding the dangers of this silent killer.
In a heartfelt obituary released on March 23, the Gardner family described Miller as a vibrant and joyful spirit, emphasizing the void his passing leaves in the hearts of family, friends, and the community. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children.
As the investigation into Miller’s death continues, the impact on Costa Rica’s tourism sector is becoming increasingly evident. Following the announcement of his death, hotel cancellations surged in the Manuel Antonio area, where the Gardners were staying. Lamia Funti, owner of a local lodge, reported losing numerous bookings as potential visitors expressed concerns about safety.
Despite the National Chamber of Tourism’s efforts to reassure travelers that the incident was isolated, the fallout from Miller’s tragic death has left many wary. They emphasized that the hotel business had not been affected, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Local businesses are feeling the impact, with several reporting significant drops in reservations.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and other accommodations, especially in light of these recent tragedies. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal when inhaled, and its presence often goes undetected until it’s too late. Health guidelines state that levels above 150-200 ppm are considered life-threatening, making the findings in the Gardner family’s hotel room particularly alarming.
The Gardners’ loss has resonated deeply within the sports community as well. The New York Yankees honored Miller’s memory with a moment of silence before their Opening Day game, reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him, despite his young age. Yankees captain Aaron Judge expressed his condolences, highlighting the leadership and warmth Brett Gardner brought to the team and how that legacy continues through his family.
As the Gardners navigate this unimaginable tragedy, they remain focused on keeping Miller’s spirit alive through their charitable efforts and the memories they cherish. The family’s commitment to honoring Miller’s legacy through the Make-A-Wish Foundation exemplifies their desire to turn their grief into hope for other children facing challenges.
While the investigation continues and the Gardners await definitive answers regarding the circumstances of Miller’s death, the community is left grappling with the reality of this heartbreaking loss. Authorities are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future, underscoring the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of travelers.
The tragic passing of Miller Gardner serves as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers that can exist even in the most idyllic settings. As the family and community mourn, they hope that Miller's story will inspire greater awareness and action, ensuring that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.
