According to a USA Today article published on April 3, 2025, Costa Rican officials have confirmed that Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on vacation.
A toxicology report revealed that Miller’s body had a carboxyhemoglobin level of 64%, which is 14% above what is considered lethal (50%), according to the Judicial Investigation Agency of Costa Rica. Carboxyhemoglobin forms when red blood cells are exposed to carbon monoxide, and saturation levels above 50% are typically fatal.
Initially, officials had suggested that Miller died from asphyxia possibly related to food intoxication. However, this theory was ruled out after the autopsy showed “no macro-level abnormalities” in his respiratory tract.
Miller died in his sleep on March 21, 2025, while staying at a resort in Manuel Antonio, a beach area on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. The night before his death, the Gardner family had dined at a restaurant near the resort and began feeling ill upon returning to their hotel.
Brett and Jessica Gardner announced their son’s death through the Yankees’ social media pages on March 24, stating that he “passed away peacefully in his sleep.” Miller is survived by his parents and his 16-year-old brother Hunter.
Miller’s parents described him as someone who “lived life to the fullest every single day” with an “infectious smile.” They mentioned he enjoyed baseball, football, golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with loved ones. The family has encouraged donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Miller’s memory.