Brett Gardner’s son Miller, 14, was ‘clinically dead’ even as medics tried to revive him for 30 minutes
QUEPOS, COSTA RICA: A Costa Rican doctor has shed light on the desperate fight to save 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, after the teen was found unresponsive at a luxury resort.
Despite relentless efforts from medical staff, they were unable to revive him, leaving experts puzzled about the cause of his sudden death.
Doctor describes intense effort to save ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s son
Dr Kevin Gannon, who oversees both Manuel Antonio Urgent Care and Quepos Urgent Care, confirmed to PEOPLE that the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner received treatment at Manuel Antonio Urgent Care.
The teenager tragically died while vacationing in Costa Rica with his family on the morning of Friday, March 21.
Gannon exclusively told PEOPLE that although he was not the physician who personally attended to Miller at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, his team was responsible for administering advanced life support CPR at the scene.
He stated that by the time they arrived, Miller was "clinically dead when we arrived."
Gannon stated, "From what we encountered there, we could not verify a cause of death. To us it was very confusing."
“We responded to a minor without vitals,” Gannon told The New York Post. “We tested him for cardiac arrest and performed CPR for more than 30 minutes. There was not really much we could significantly do.”
The night before, the Gardner family reportedly experienced illness and vomiting after dinner, leading to initial speculation that food poisoning played a role.
However, Gannon dismissed the idea, saying, “Some people are saying it was anaphylactic shock from food he ate. But I will say it is very, very rare for a patient to eat food and go that long without a reaction.” He added, “Usually it’s right away.”
Authorities continue investigating possible causes
Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 23, 2025
With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many… pic.twitter.com/lBCBVmKGUe
Costa Rican officials initially suspected asphyxiation from food poisoning but later ruled out choking. On Wednesday, investigators suggested that Miller may have suffered an allergic reaction to medication he was given. However, Gannon remained skeptical, noting that severe reactions to standard gastrointestinal treatments are uncommon.
“Allergic reactions to normal GI medications are very rare,” he stated. “Most of the acute GI conditions can be treated with over the counter medication. And most do not have severe side effects or else they would not be over the counter.”
Toxicology results are expected to provide more answers, though officials warn that final reports could take months. In the meantime, the Gardner family, still reeling from the devastating loss, awaits clarity on what led to their son's tragic and untimely death.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort emphasized their full cooperation with authorities during the investigation.
"We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety while respecting the privacy of those affected,” the statement read.
It also clarified that "the family did not eat at any of Arenas Del Mar’s restaurants for lunch or dinner the previous day."
