Mysterious questions surrounding Yankees star’s son’s loss of life at Costa Rica resort

Mystery continues to surround the death of the teenage son of New York Yankees champion Brett Gardner who passed away at a luxury Costa Rican resort last week.

Miller Gardner, 14, was tragically found dead on Friday morning in his room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, in Manuel Antonio, where he was staying with his family.

It was initially reported that Miller had died by asphyxia after a possible intoxication from ingesting contaminated food. 

However, on Tuesday afternoon, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) told CNN asphyxia had been ruled out as there was no obstruction of Miller’s airways.

Other members of his family had also fallen ill during the trip, Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica shared in announcing their son’s death, which they added has left them with ‘so many questions.’

An autopsy and a toxicology report for the young Gardner are pending and could take several weeks to be returned.

The OIJ’s press office said they are waiting for those results to determine whether food poisoning played a role in the boy’s cause of death. 

A spokesperson for the Arenas Del Mar resort told DailyMail.com the hotel fully cooperating with the investigation and is determined too get to the bottom of what caused this tragedy.

Food intoxication – or food poisoning – typically occurs when someone consumes food that’s been contaminated with bacteria, molds, parasites, or other dangerous toxins. 

Symptoms depend on the cause but usually include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. 

In extreme cases, muscular paralysis can also occur, inhibiting a person’s ability to breathe.

Food intoxication can cause death from infection itself, especially if the person has a weakened immune system. 

The bacteria listeria monocytogenes is considered the most deadly food-borne illness.

Approximately 3,000 Americans die annually from foodborne illnesses, including infections and intoxications, according to the CDC. 

Food poisoning can indirectly cause asphyxiation, but it’s not considered a common direct cause of choking deaths. 

Most food poisoning deaths are cause by organ failure, dehydration, or neurotoxic effects rather than airway blockage. 

It remains to be seen what triggered Miller Gardner’s death. 

His devastated family told Costa Rican officials they believe they have had been suffering from food poisoning. 

It’s not known what the boy ate prior to his death or how long his family had been exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning before the tragic discovery was made. 

Common sources of food intoxication are often caused by food being improperly handled, stored, or left out for too long. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Arenas Del Mar resort said: ‘We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.

‘The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate. 

‘We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.’ 

According to its website, the resort offers expert naturalist guides and a ‘stimulating, colorful, and exciting’ food menu.

‘Only the best ends up on your plate,’ reads a passage on its website, adding that guests will eat ‘only the freshest ingredients’ during their stay at its two restaurants, the Playitas Beachfront Restaurant and Mirador Oceanview Restaurant.

Additionally, the luxury hotel offers what it calls a ‘Dock to Dish’ program for the fish it serves to guests. 

Brett and Jessica Gardner first announced their son’s death over the weekend in a heartbreaking statement.  

‘With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,’ the statement read. 

‘He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.’

They added: ‘We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.’

The State Department also confirmed ‘the death of a US citizen in Costa Rica on March 21.’

The US State Department told the New York Post: ‘We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death.

‘Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time.’

The family are now reportedly working with local authorities to bring Miller’s body back to the United States, where further tests could yet be conducted. 

Brett Gardner, 41, played 14 seasons with the Yankees between 2008 and 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series-winning team. 

He was an American League All-Star in 2015 and won a Gold Glove in 2016.

New York coaches Aaron Boone and Joe Girardi shared their heartbrake over the news of Miller’s death.

‘We talk about being family all the time and even though Brett’s been gone for a few years, that doesn’t stop,’ Boone, the team’s current manager, told reporters.

‘A lot of people in there [the clubhouse] that know that family intimately. It’s a very tough day and very tough news.’

‘As best we can, we’ll be praying for the Gardner family and where we can, offering support,’ he added. ‘That’s kind of the unimaginable that unfortunately that’s where we are with it. Very sad. Very tough.’

The Yankees have also released a statement, mourning Miller’s death. 

‘Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,’ the team said.

‘Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.’

‘We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.

‘Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time.

‘May Miller rest in peace.’