The 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on a family trip to Costa Rica, authorities have confirmed.
Local officials found dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in Miller Gardner’s system during their investigation.
“When carboxyhemoglobin saturation exceeds 50%, it is considered lethal. In Gardner’s case, the test showed a saturation of 64%,” explained Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency.
The investigation was handled carefully, with Costa Rican authorities working closely with the FBI to determine what happened.
The Gardner family first shared the heartbreaking news in late March through a statement released by the Yankees. At that time, they mentioned that Miller “fell ill along with several other family members while on vacation.”
“We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st,” the family said.
Miller was clearly the kind of kid who embraced life completely.
“He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day,” his parents shared in their statement.
The family described struggling to imagine “life without his infectious smile” – a quality that seemed to define the teenager.
In Miller’s obituary, loved ones remembered him specifically for “his smile that brought joy to all.”
“The Gardner family will forever cherish the places they visited, the people they met, the friends they made, and the memories they created together,” the obituary continues. “Miller’s time here with them was brief but his spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived.”
The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this devastating loss.
Brett Gardner, now 41, spent his entire 14-year baseball career with the Yankees after being drafted from the College of Charleston in 2005. The respected player, who retired in 2021, earned both All-Star and Gold Glove honors during his time in pinstripes.
