Less than two weeks after Miller Gardner’s tragically premature death, there seems to be a new leading theory in the investigation…
Earlier this month, New York Yankees legend Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica announced their 14-year-old son died suddenly after falling ill on a family vacation in Costa Rica. Investigators initially believed it to be the result of asphyxiation, but later ruled that out. They then turned their attention to possible food poisoning as the entire family, which also includes 16-year-old Hunter Gardner, got sick after eating at a restaurant near the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio where they were staying. Food samples have been taken for analyzation, but another possible cause of death investigators have suggested is a potential allergic reaction to the medication Miller was prescribed by a resort doctor to soothe his symptoms… It’s all been up in the air as we won’t get autopsy and toxicology results for up to three months… But a major development in the investigation may offer answers to the teen’s mysterious death.
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On Monday, Costa Rican Judicial Investigative Agency (OIJ) General Director Randall Zúñiga revealed in a press conference on that “high levels of carbon monoxide contamination” were discovered in the Gardner family’s hotel room at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort. He revealed the findings came from a “specialized hazardous atmosphere team” which tested the room:
“This leads us to an investigative line in which it seems that this person could have died from inhaling these dangerous gases.”
That’s so, so, SO sad. The official noted:
“It’s also important to note that next to [the family’s] room there is a specialized machine room, from which it is believed some form of contamination may have reached the guest rooms, potentially causing the incident.”
How completely devastating. And avoidable…
He reiterated that toxicology results won’t be available for several months, but noted:
“Nonetheless, the initial investigative findings indicate that the incident was due to this contamination, with levels as high as 600 parts per million detected — when the appropriate level in this case should be zero.”
That’s SO high. According to Kidde — a company known for producing fire and carbon monoxide detectors — levels are considered dangerous after 101 parts per million. And levels were as high as 600ppm in the Gardner family’s room…
In response to the development, the resort issued the following statement:
“We deeply regret the recent death of a minor at our facilities due to unconfirmed causes. We express our sincere condolences to the child’s family and loved ones in this time of immense grief. We are respectfully and diligently collaborating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who have assumed the corresponding investigation. We trust that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively clarify the real causes of this unfortunate incident. For the time being, the investigation will continue with the analysis of the various theories put forward by the judicial authorities.”
They added:
“Out of respect for the ongoing judicial process and the family’s privacy, we will refrain from commenting on possible hypotheses or unconfirmed causes. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our guests and employees, and we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to the highest standards in the operation of our facilities. We appreciate your understanding regarding the sensitivity of this situation.”
Our hearts are with the Gardner family as Miller’s death investigation continues.
[Images via New York Yankees/X]
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