Asphyxiation ruled out as cause of death of former Yankees star’s 14-year-old son, investigation turns to food poisoning

(CNN) — Asphyxiation has been ruled out as the cause of death for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, Costa Rican officials told CNN on Tuesday.

Gardner and his wife Jessica announced on Sunday that their son Miller had died after a sudden illness while on vacation.

According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), Gardner and his family were vacationing at a hotel in Manuel Antonio, a town on the Pacific coast of the country, when the whole family fell ill, likely from food poisoning from something they ate.

Marisel Rodriguez from the OIJ told CNN Tuesday afternoon after speaking with Antonio Vargas, the Director of the OIJ, that the family went to dinner on Thursday night at a different hotel than where they were staying.

The family started to feel unwell with stomach discomfort when they returned to their hotel, Rodriguez said, and were treated by the hotel’s doctor who gave them medication for an upset stomach.

Rodríguez said that Miller Gardner was found dead by a family member last Friday morning in his hotel room and that, although preliminary reports suggested the cause of death could be “asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning,” asphyxia was later ruled out by forensic medicine – a division of OIJ – as there was no obstruction of the airways.

The hotel released a statement Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement reads. “The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.

“We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”

The OIJ is now looking for security footage and has started interviewing employees to see if they spotted anything unusual, according to Rodriguez.

The OIJ has interviewed the hotel doctor and wants to interview the family members virtually. They left Costa Rica on Saturday.

The case is in the hands of the OIJ who are waiting on the results of pathological exams.

Rodríguez added that they are still waiting for the results of toxicology tests to determine whether food poisoning was the cause of death.

Juan Pablo Alvarado, an official with OIJ’s press office, told CNN that asphyxia was first considered because the body was found with vomit.

In their statement on Sunday, Brett and Jessica Gardner said Miller “left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.”

“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” Brett and Jessica Gardner said of Miller. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

Gardner played in Major League Baseball for 14 seasons, all with the Yankees where he was a part of the team that won the World Series in 2009. He retired following the 2021 season.

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