Authorities in Costa Rica probe the untimely death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. The tragedy unfolded during a family vacation at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. “Miller was found unresponsive in bed on March 21,” reported The San José Times. He was pronounced dead soon after.
Asphyxiation Theory Dismissed
Early speculation suggested Miller choked while vomiting in his sleep. However, the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) debunked this claim. “We observed no blockages or trauma in the respiratory tract,” an OIJ spokesperson told Costa Rica Noticias. As a result, asphyxiation has been ruled out as the cause.
Food Poisoning Emerges as Focus
Investigators now zero in on food poisoning. Multiple Gardner family members reported illness during the trip. “Authorities have seized food samples from the resort,” ESPN noted. They currently run toxicology, pathology, and chemical analyses. Still, Reuters warns that lab backlogs could delay results for up to three months.
Heartfelt Responses Pour In
Brett and Jessica Gardner spoke publicly about their loss. “We are devastated by Miller’s passing,” they told The New York Post. “He was a light full of joy, passion, and love.” Similarly, the resort stated to CNN. “We extend our deepest condolences and are fully cooperating with the investigation,” it read.
Baseball Community Stunned
Brett Gardner, 41, played 14 seasons with the Yankees and clinched the 2009 World Series. The team responded swiftly. “Our hearts go out to the Gardner family,” the Yankees stated via MLB.com. Meanwhile, fans and the sports world grapple with shock. Answers loom on the horizon as the investigation presses forward.