The tragic death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, has been confirmed as a result of carbon monoxide inhalation. Costa Rican officials announced the findings of a toxicology report, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding the young boy’s sudden passing while on vacation with his family.
The 14-year-old died from carbon monoxide inhalation, Costa Rican officials announced Wednesday, per a local news outlet.TikTok / zoe
Toxicology Results
Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency in Costa Rica, revealed that the toxicology results showed a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 64%. He explained that concentrations above 50% are lethal, indicating that Miller’s exposure to carbon monoxide was indeed fatal. Zúñiga confirmed that the case is now closed, following these findings. Miller was found deceased at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort on March 21 after falling ill under unexplained circumstances. The hotel has remained tight-lipped about the incident but expressed respect for the ongoing judicial process and the family’s privacy.
Investigation Insights
Initial reports from local authorities indicated high levels of carbon monoxide contamination in the Gardner family’s hotel room. A specialized machine room adjacent to their accommodations was suspected as the source of contamination. However, the hotel later denied these claims, stating that the carbon monoxide levels in the guest room were “non-existent and non-lethal.” Despite the hotel’s denial, staff took precautionary measures by closing the room while awaiting conclusive results regarding Miller’s cause of death. Prior hypotheses, including allergic reactions or food poisoning, were ultimately ruled out.
Response and Aftermath
Dr. Kevin Gannon, who responded to the emergency, reported that first responders found Miller without vital signs. They performed advanced life support CPR for 30 minutes before he was declared dead. The situation has been described by the Gardner family as an “unimaginable loss.” Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, shared their grief publicly, noting that their son had “passed away peacefully in his sleep” after falling ill along with several family members during their vacation.
Conclusion
The confirmation of carbon monoxide inhalation as the cause of Miller Gardner’s death has brought some clarity to a tragic situation that has left a family mourning. While the investigation is closed, the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to raise questions about safety and accountability at the resort. Miller’s family is now focused on honoring his memory, with funeral arrangements underway for a private celebration of his life in South Carolina.
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