Costa Rican authorities have amended their initial findings after investigating the death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of retired New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, sharing that they have now preliminarily ruled out asphyxiation being the cause.
On Tuesday, March 25, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said in a statement obtained by NBC News that a preliminary investigation determined Miller Gardner’s cause of death was not due to asphyxia, or a lack of oxygen.
The agency said, in part, “The doctor of the Forensic Pathology Section of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) was consulted and it was preliminarily ruled out that the cause of death was due to asphyxia, due to the fact that at the time of the inspection of the body, no anomaly was observed at macro level in the respiratory tract, so different samples were sent in order to perform three analyses, histology, toxicology and neuropathology in the laboratories of Forensic Sciences of the OIJ.”
Authorities anticipate the results of the newly ordered lab tests to be ready in approximately two to three months. They also said the case is still being investigated by the agents of the Quepos and Parrita Subdelegation of the OIJ.
The latest update about Miller Gardner follows the Costa Rican authorities releasing a preliminary manner of death in a statement to NBC News a day prior, saying asphyxiation after possible intoxication after eating could have led to his untimely death.
Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica Gardner, shared the news about their youngest son’s death in a statement posted on the Yankees’ official X account March 23.
The couple wrote, “With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling 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,” they added before praising their son and thanking friends and family for support.
“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile,” they said. “He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The post included a photo of Miller beside his mom, dad and older brother, Hunter.
The Yankees shared a separate statement on X that mentioned the 14-year-old’s zest for life, as well.
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature,” the team said, in part.
