Former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, are pictured with their sons, Hunter (left) and Miller (right), at the MLB Fan Cave on August 8, 2013. Miller, held by Brett in the photo, tragically passed away at age 14 on March 21 due to carbon monoxide poisoning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. (Photo by Paige Calamari/MLB via Getty Images)
By Zach Mentz, cleveland.com
Authorities in Costa Rica confirmed Wednesday that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner, died on March 21 from carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Randall Zúñiga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, tests revealed Miller had a carboxyhemoglobin saturation level of 64%, significantly exceeding the lethal threshold of 50%, as reported by the Associated Press. Carboxyhemoglobin forms in red blood cells when carbon monoxide is inhaled.
The Gardners announced Miller’s passing on March 23 in a statement through the Yankees, sharing that he “passed away peacefully in his sleep” while on vacation with his family.
Zúñiga indicated that their hotel room was located next to a “dedicated machine room,” which may have been the source of contamination. An autopsy revealed a distinct “layer” on Miller’s organs, a sign of significant carbon monoxide exposure, according to Costa Rican judicial police.
Initially, investigators suspected asphyxiation as the cause of death, but an autopsy conducted by the Forensic Pathology Section ruled it out. Authorities also considered food poisoning as a possible cause, as other family members reported feeling unwell after dining at a local restaurant.
Miller, the younger of Brett and Jessica Gardner’s two sons, is survived by his parents and his older brother, Hunter.
“Miller was a cherished son and brother, and we are struggling to comprehend life without his infectious smile,” the Gardners said in their statement. “He had a deep love for football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends. Every day, he embraced life to the fullest.”
The family expressed gratitude for the support they have received, adding, “We believe that faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our hearts go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as other families who have endured the loss of a child too soon. Please respect our privacy as we grieve and seek healing.”
Brett Gardner, a former College of Charleston walk-on, was drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 2005 MLB Draft. The left-handed outfielder spent his entire 14-year MLB career with the Yankees, making his debut in 2008. He played a key role in the team’s 2009 World Series victory, earned an All-Star selection in 2015, won a Gold Glove in 2016, and retired after the 2021 season.