Mystery Deepens as Autopsy Delays Leave Questions About MLB Star’s Son’s Tragic Death

More details about Miller Gardner’s death are coming to light.

14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica Gardner mysteriously died five days ago during a family vacation in Costa Rica. As investigators piece together the events, they are gradually uncovering what factors may have led to—or ruled out as causes of—his death.

In a recent interview, the representative of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (JIA), Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, clarified to DailyMail.com that there was no evidence suggesting that recreational drugs or alcohol played a role in Miller’s passing.

Investigators are examining the last moments of the South Carolina resident, focusing on the strange sickness that affected the entire Gardner family, causing intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. This occurred after they dined at a restaurant away from the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, where they were lodging. As per the JIA official, the family received medical attention from hotel staff and were provided medication to alleviate their illness.

Alvarado Garcia stated that we are conducting toxicology examinations to find out whether the medication might have been responsible for his death. Additionally, it’s important to consider the possibility that Miller may have contracted a bacterial infection during his trip, which could have contributed to his demise.

The officials have since changed their earlier conclusion about what caused Miller’s death, namely suffocation. This point was also clarified by the spokesperson.

Upon arrival at the location, our team found the body with signs of vomit in the mouth and nostrils. They initially hypothesized that this could have been a case of asphyxiation caused by the vomit. This theory was adopted because the family had eaten outside the hotel the previous night and all fell ill upon their return.

As an absolutely devoted fan, I’d put it this way: Upon closer inspection during the postmortem examination, the physician could not spot any unusual findings within the lungs.

To ascertain the exact reason behind Miller’s demise, the investigators need to await the findings from the finished autopsy. However, the representative mentioned that it might take several months for them to get these results due to the high crime rate in the country.

There’s been a surge in murders with drug gangs clashing over turf, resulting in each case requiring an autopsy, he explained. I can verify that an autopsy was performed on Miller, but the comprehensive findings and results, similar to others, will take around two to three months because of the ongoing violence, which has created a pile-up of cases. That’s just the truth.

In their search for answers, Brett and Jessica – parents of 16-year-old Hunter Gardner – paid a heartfelt homage to Miller, announcing his demise in a statement issued on March 23rd.

In a heartfelt message posted on the New York Yankees’ social media platforms, they expressed that Miller was a cherished son and brother, whose absence leaves us struggling to imagine life without his radiant smile. His passions ranged from football and baseball to golf, hunting, and fishing. Above all, he adored his family and friends, living each day to its fullest.

Read on for more details in the case of Miller Gardner’s death.

Regardless of Brett Gardner’s long-standing tenure as a Yankee, the outfield player and his wife Jessica Clendenin Gardner—who exchanged vows in 2007—have managed to keep their sons Hunter and Miller away from the public glare, residing primarily in South Carolina.

On occasion, they would join in supporting their father’s profession, such as when they attended the launch of his CCandy Children’s Clothing Line at the MLB Fan Cave in New York City back in 2013.

Speaking about their heartbreaking loss, Miller’s loved ones characterized him as a boy with a radiant, contagious grin and someone who embraced each day with zest and enthusiasm.

In the spirit of transparency, let me share that I was fondly remembered by the iconic New York Yankees in a statement issued back in March 2025. The team highlighted my vibrant and spirited character, which truly resonated with them.

Similar to his father, Miller exhibited athleticism beyond just baseball. He additionally pursued football, golf, fishing, and hunting. Earlier this year, he expressed his affection for football in a TikTok post, showcasing pictures from the field and saying, “I really miss it.

Back in March 2025, I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my cherished teammate, Brett, who graced our team from 2008 to 2021. Reflecting on his memory, I can’t help but recall the vibrant spark in his eyes and the warmth that emanated from his loving nature. It was truly an honor to have shared the field with such a remarkable individual.

In their statement, the team clarified that it’s not only Brett who spent over 17 years within this organization from childhood; his wife, Jessica, and their two sons also grew up here.

According to a statement from Brett’s previous team, Brett and his family announced that following Miller and other individuals falling sick during their holiday, Brett tragically passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21.

In their words, “Miller was deeply cherished as a son and a brother, and it’s hard for us to imagine our lives without his radiant, contagious grin.

Amidst their sorrow, the Gardners conveyed that they’re still figuring out what occurred. They also mentioned in their declaration, “We currently have numerous questions with very few answers.

On the day following Brett and Jessica’s disclosure about Miller’s passing, it was communicated to Inside Edition by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica that the family was on a vacation there during the spring break when Miller died.

Additionally, the Embassy stated they were engaged in talks with the Gardner family regarding the arrangement for returning Miller’s remains to the United States.

The following day after Brett and Jessica revealed Miller’s unexpected death, Costa Rican authorities suggested that the teen most likely succumbed to asphyxiation, potentially due to ingesting a harmful chemical substance.

As a diligent follower reporting this event, I can preliminarily share that the cause of death seems to be asphyxia potentially triggered by intoxication, possibly due to consuming certain food. At present, this is an investigation in progress, with the autopsy findings and Toxicology Section analysis yet to come, aimed at pinpointing the precise reason behind this tragic demise.

Instead, they determined that suffocation was not the reason for his demise, as there were no blockages detected within his respiratory system.

It was reported by Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, a representative of the agency, to NBC News on March 25 that Miller along with his parents and sibling had taken ill on March 20, following their return from a restaurant to their hotel. On the following morning, medical staff at the hotel found Miller’s body in his room after treating all four family members.

The investigation is ongoing and pending medical test results.

Two days following the Gardner family’s announcement of Miller’s passing, the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort – where the family was on holiday in Costa Rica – expressed their sympathies.

A spokesperson for the hotel expressed heartfelt sorrow over this unfortunate event, extending sympathy to the affected family in these trying moments. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and we are actively collaborating with authorities as they conduct their investigation.

The resort stated, “We are dedicated to assisting both our guests and employees, ensuring their health and security, all the while upholding the privacy of those involved.

Additionally, the hotel refuted any accountability for the Gardner family falling ill at a neighboring eatery prior to Miller’s demise.

Yesterday, neither lunch nor dinner was enjoyed at Arenas Del Mar’s restaurants by the family, as reported by the resort representative. Moreover, on March 14th, an inspection by the Health Ministry took place, and the hotel received a score of 98.5 out of 100.

As a dedicated follower, I can share that on the day after the resort where the Gardner family stayed made its statement, I, Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, a representative for Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (JIA), affirmed that the autopsy results for Miller would be postponed by several months due to an escalated crime rate in the region.

He stated that we are witnessing a surge in murders, particularly among rival drug groups fighting over territories, and each incident requires a postmortem examination,” he said to DailyMail.com.

He stated, “Indeed, an autopsy was performed on Miller, however, the comprehensive findings and results – just like any other case – won’t be available for at least two to three months because of the ongoing high number of deaths leading to a backlog in our system. This is simply how it is.

Alvarado Garcia indeed made it clear that there wasn’t any evidence suggesting Miller’s passing was due to the use of recreational substances or excessive drinking.

Despite a delay in receiving the results, it was clarified that because all essential samples had been gathered for Miller’s autopsy, his body could be returned to the United States. However, the Gardner family is currently awaiting approval from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica on their repatriation request.

2025-03-27 05:53

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