Brett Gardner's son Miller may have died from 'high levels' of carbon monoxide in hotel room

QUEPOS, COSTA RICA: Days after the heartbreaking death of Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner, reports have emerged suggesting that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause. Miller tragically died on March 21 while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.

According to the country’s judicial investigation agency (OIJ), tests showed elevated levels of the dangerous gas in the hotel room where he had been staying. Miller, who died in his sleep, had reportedly fallen ill along with other family members, raising concerns about the fatal exposure.

New reports emerge regarding Miller Gardner's death

In a statement released on Monday, OIJ Director Randall Zuniga revealed that a team investigating the family’s hotel room discovered "high levels of carbon monoxide contamination."

The room, located next to a "specialized machine room," may have been the source of the gas contamination.

Based on the test results, OIJ investigators suspect that Gardner "may have died from inhaling these highly dangerous gases."

Zuniga also emphasized that the investigation has been closely coordinated with the FBI, and they are now awaiting the final forensic toxicology report to confirm the exact cause of the young boy's death as per CBS News.

The statement mentioned, "It is also important to highlight that this entire investigation has been closely coordinated with the United States FBI, and we await the final results of the forensic toxicology to determine exactly what caused this young man's death."

Hotel releases heartbroken statement after Miller Gardner's death

The hotel where Miller Gardner and his family were stayed during vacation issued a statement to CBS News on Monday, March 31, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss.

"We are heartbroken by the recent tragedy that occurred on our premises, the causes of which have yet to be confirmed," the statement read.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss that recently occurred on our premises due to causes that have not yet been confirmed. We are diligently cooperating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities, who have taken over the investigation. We trust that the forensic process will objectively, clearly, and conclusively clarify the causes of this unfortunate incident."

The hotel also stated, "Out of respect for the ongoing judicial process and the family's privacy, we will refrain from commenting on any unconfirmed hypotheses or possible causes."

They concluded by affirming, "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our guests and staff, and we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to the highest operational standards within our facilities."

Miller Gardner's cause of death yet to be determined

As previously reported by the OIJ, the autopsy results for Miller Gardner may take two to three months, so the official cause of death has not yet been determined.  

The Gardners were staying at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, located along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, about 50 miles south of San Jose.

The family has not shared additional details about who else fell ill or what symptoms they experienced. Initially, the OIJ had considered food poisoning as a potential cause of death, but the investigation remains ongoing.

This update comes just days after authorities in Belize reported that three American women found dead in their hotel room last month had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that forms when fossil fuels are burned. It can be emitted by various sources, including cars, furnaces, stoves, certain heaters, and generators. Poisoning from carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.