Former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his family are grappling with an unimaginable tragedy following the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller, during a family vacation in Costa Rica on March 21, 2025. As the family awaits answers, Costa Rican authorities are investigating whether the incident was a homicide, according to ESPN.
The Gardner family had been staying at the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort when the tragedy occurred. Miller, along with other family members, began feeling ill after dining at a restaurant and returning to their rooms. The following morning, Miller was found unresponsive in his room. Authorities later determined the cause of death to be carbon monoxide poisoning, with tests revealing high levels of carbon monoxide emissions in the room where Miller was staying.
Dr. Kevin Gannon, one of the doctors who responded to the emergency, told the New York Post that medical personnel performed extensive CPR and treated Miller for cardiac arrest, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. “There was not really much we could significantly do,” Gannon said.
Costa Rican investigators are working to determine whether Miller’s death was a homicide and, if so, to establish responsibility. Should the case be ruled a homicide, the next steps would involve filing charges and conducting a trial, though the current status of the investigation remains unclear. Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, have chosen not to comment on the ongoing investigation, respecting their need for privacy during this difficult time.
Brett Gardner, a beloved Yankees All-Star, spent his entire MLB career with the team before retiring in 2021. Known for his dedication and camaraderie, Gardner left a lasting impact on the organization and its fans.
In a statement issued in March, the New York Yankees expressed their support for the family: “Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute, and we will offer our enduring support while understanding their desire for privacy at this time. May Miller rest in peace.”
The entire Yankees community, along with fans and supporters, continues to send condolences to the Gardner family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss and await further answers.