Autopsy results of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of a former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardnerdelayed for months due to a surge in gang-related violence that overwhelms Costa Rica’s medical inspectors.
Miller was found to be unresponsive in bed at Manuel Antonio’s Arena del Mar resort during his family holiday last Friday.
Several members of Brett Gardner’s family, including Miller, fell ill after eating at a nearby restaurant, local authorities said on the eve of his death. Food poisoning was initially suspected.
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Costa Rican authorities rule out suffocation from Miller Gardner’s death

“The whole family got sick, probably because they got food poisoning from what they ate,” Costa Rica’s judicial investigation police confirmed Tuesday with CNN.
Authorities later ruled out the choking and are now investigating whether Miller is suffering from an allergic reaction to the drug therapy administered to treat the illness. Alvarado Garcia said toxicology testing is ongoing to determine whether the drug contributed to the death of a teenager.
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The autopsy of Brett Gardner’s son was delayed amid a surge in violence in Costa Rica

However, Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, the head of the Costa Rica judicial research agency, said: Daily Mail On Wednesday, it indicated that it could take “at least two to three months” for the process to complete.
The delays are directly related to the recent escalation of domestic drug gang violence, he explained.
“We’re hiking murders because these drug gangs fight for the territory and all of them require an autopsy,” said Alvarado Garcia. Miller’s autopsy has already been done, but he noted that the “full analysis” takes time to complete due to the amount of cases associated with “constant killing.” “That’s the reality,” he added.
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Costa Rica has experienced a surge in drug-related violence in recent years. In 2023 alone, the judicial investigator reported more than 900 murders, marking the record record of the country once considered one of the region’s most peaceful travel destinations.
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Brett Gardner and wife Jessica lament 14-year-old son Miller in a heartbreaking statement

Miller’s parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared by the Yankees on Sunday. “He was 14 and left us as soon as he got sick with several other families on vacation,” the statement read. “At this point, there are very few questions and answers.”
The family recalled Miller as “the beloved son” who loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and friends, adding that “he lived his life to the fullest every day.”
Married in 2007, Brett and Jessica also share their younger son, Hunter.
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Arenas del Mar Resort issues a statement

Shared messages Daily MailArenas del Mar Resort offered sympathy, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts come to our family during this incredibly difficult time.”
They said, “We are continuing to be committed to supporting our guests and staff, and prioritizing their well-being and safety while respecting the privacy of those affected.”
Yankees mourn with Brett Gardner after the tragic loss of their 14-year-old son
Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
Heartfelt, we are saddened to announce the death of our youngest child, Miller. He was 14 years old and left us as soon as he got sick with several other families on vacation. There are a lot… pic.twitter.com/lbcbvmkgue
– New York Yankees (@yankees) March 23, 2025
The sudden loss sent shockwaves into the baseball community and beyond. Friends, teammates, fans and fellow athletes gathered around the Gardner family, providing the will and support of Agriculture Dol in the wake of the tragedy.
In a heartfelt statement, the Yankees organization shared its own grief over the devastating news.
“The words feel unforgiving and inadequate to explain these unimaginable losses. Brett was not the only person who grew up in this organization for over 17 years.
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“We are grieving the loss of Brett, Jessica, Hunter and a community of family and friends, who sparked sparks in his eyes, and who had an extroverted, lively personality and a warm and loving nature,” the team added. “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will provide enduring support at this point, understanding their desire for privacy.”
The Yankees concluded that “Miller may rest in peace.”