Investigation Underway Following the Death of Miller Gardner, Son of Brett Gardner
Almost six months after the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, Costa Rican authorities carried out a raid at the hotel where the young man was found dead. The prosecutor in charge suggested that the investigation could lead to a case of negligent homicide. In his first interview about the case, prosecutor Kenneth Alvarez reported that the operation at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio lasted three hours. The objective was to gather additional evidence related to the death of Miller Gardner from carbon monoxide, according to the autopsy. This was the first formal inspection of the hotel since the authorities went to the scene a week after the death.In the presence of television cameras, agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) of Costa Rica arrived at the hotel to conduct the raid. Alvarez, who has indicated that the investigation focuses on possible charges of negligent homicide, detailed that the management, maintenance, and accounting offices were searched, collecting physical and digital evidence. In addition, he mentioned that several hotel employees have been interviewed and have shown collaboration. So far, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. Authorities have maintained constant contact with the lawyers the Gardner family hired in Costa Rica, according to the prosecutor. In addition, they have coordinated with an FBI attaché in Costa Rica to guide the initial investigation. Miller Gardner passed away on March 21st at the Costa Rican resort where he was staying with his family. Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, announced the death of their son two days later. According to the statement, Miller Gardner and other family members fell ill during the vacation. Subsequently, it was reported that the death was caused by carbon monoxide, possibly from an adjacent “engine room.” In June, the prosecution indicated that the case was still under investigation to determine if the cause of death was homicide and, if so, to establish responsibilities. Miller Gardner played American football in high school and wore the number 11, the same one his father wore during his 14 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Yankees. Brett Gardner, a much-loved leader, was part of New York’s championship team in 2009 and retired in 2021.“Let’s remember that at that time the measurement of toxic substances was carried out at the site,” explained Alvarez. “Based on those tests, a second investigation was scheduled, which was carried out today to collect evidence.”
Kenneth Alvarez, Prosecutor
