Hotel Disputes Findings on Death of Brett Gardner's Son
The establishment where 14-year-old Miller Gardner died refutes claims of carbon monoxide presence in their room.
The hotel in Manuel Antonio, Quepos, where the family of Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, was staying, has rejected claims from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) regarding the cause of death of the 14-year-old.
On March 31, OIJ director Randall Zúñiga reported that forensic engineering analysis indicates the teenager likely died from carbon monoxide inhalation.
The young boy was found deceased in his hotel room on March 28.
Zúñiga stated that the investigation had established a clear line of inquiry, as specialists detected high levels of carbon monoxide in the family’s accommodation following inspections by the OIJ and the fire department.
He noted, "It seems that this person may have died from inhaling these dangerous gases."
In response, the hotel administration, through an external spokesperson, clarified that elevated carbon monoxide levels were found in a restricted technical room, not in the guest room occupied by the Gardner family.
The hotel emphasized, "In the hotel room, the levels were nearly nonexistent and did not pose any risk.
An error was made in the initial report.
As previously stated, we are awaiting final results to confirm the cause of this unfortunate death."
Despite the hotel's assertions, the OIJ maintains that carbon monoxide levels in the room reached as much as 600 parts per million, compared to a safe level of zero.
Zúñiga also explained that the proximity of the family’s room to a machinery room could have contributed to potential gas infiltration.
Meanwhile, the hotel has expressed condolences to the Gardner family and reported that it is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the hotel declared, "We deeply regret the death of a minor that occurred recently in our premises for causes that have yet to be confirmed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow."
Miller Gardner and his family were on vacation when the incident occurred.
Initially, food poisoning was suspected, but that theory was ruled out the following day by the OIJ.
The teen died in his sleep in the hotel room, where he was with his brother Hunter and parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner.
His death has been mourned widely within the baseball community.
According to previous reports, carbon monoxide poisoning is infrequent in Costa Rica, though it has happened in the past.
Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas, with moderate exposure leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fainting, while severe exposure can result in unconsciousness, coma, and death.
On March 31, OIJ director Randall Zúñiga reported that forensic engineering analysis indicates the teenager likely died from carbon monoxide inhalation.
The young boy was found deceased in his hotel room on March 28.
Zúñiga stated that the investigation had established a clear line of inquiry, as specialists detected high levels of carbon monoxide in the family’s accommodation following inspections by the OIJ and the fire department.
He noted, "It seems that this person may have died from inhaling these dangerous gases."
In response, the hotel administration, through an external spokesperson, clarified that elevated carbon monoxide levels were found in a restricted technical room, not in the guest room occupied by the Gardner family.
The hotel emphasized, "In the hotel room, the levels were nearly nonexistent and did not pose any risk.
An error was made in the initial report.
As previously stated, we are awaiting final results to confirm the cause of this unfortunate death."
Despite the hotel's assertions, the OIJ maintains that carbon monoxide levels in the room reached as much as 600 parts per million, compared to a safe level of zero.
Zúñiga also explained that the proximity of the family’s room to a machinery room could have contributed to potential gas infiltration.
Meanwhile, the hotel has expressed condolences to the Gardner family and reported that it is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the hotel declared, "We deeply regret the death of a minor that occurred recently in our premises for causes that have yet to be confirmed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones during this time of immense sorrow."
Miller Gardner and his family were on vacation when the incident occurred.
Initially, food poisoning was suspected, but that theory was ruled out the following day by the OIJ.
The teen died in his sleep in the hotel room, where he was with his brother Hunter and parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner.
His death has been mourned widely within the baseball community.
According to previous reports, carbon monoxide poisoning is infrequent in Costa Rica, though it has happened in the past.
Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas, with moderate exposure leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fainting, while severe exposure can result in unconsciousness, coma, and death.
