Investigation Launched into Potential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Hotel Death of Teenager
Costa Rican authorities are examining high carbon monoxide levels linked to the death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner in a hotel room, with ongoing investigations from both local and U.S. agencies.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of Costa Rica is investigating the potential role of carbon monoxide poisoning in the death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, who was found unresponsive in his hotel room at Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio on March 21. Rándall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, disclosed that specialized tests conducted last week revealed alarmingly high levels of carbon monoxide in the room, measuring up to 600 parts per million (ppm).
In contrast, safe levels of the gas should register at zero ppm.
Zúñiga indicated that these findings support the hypothesis that Gardner may have succumbed to toxic gas inhalation.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause symptoms such as nausea and dizziness at lower concentrations, while prolonged exposure to levels above 400 ppm can lead to unconsciousness or death.
Investigators have identified a mechanical room adjacent to Gardner's room as a potential source of the carbon monoxide contamination.
The Fire Department and the Ministry of Health have been notified of the situation; however, it remains unclear whether the hotel has been temporarily closed or if any modifications have been made pending further investigation.
The ongoing inquiry is being supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and forensic toxicology results are currently awaited to establish the precise cause of Gardner’s death.
Initial investigative findings have already been communicated to U.S. authorities.
Prior to his passing, Gardner had dined at a restaurant near the hotel on March 20 with his family.
Upon returning to the hotel, he reported feeling unwell and was subsequently examined by a doctor engaged by the hotel.
The following morning, a relative discovered him unresponsive in his hotel room, while authorities have not confirmed whether other family members experienced similar symptoms.
The case falls under the jurisdiction of the OIJ's Regional Subdelegation in Quepos and Parrita.
Gardner’s remains have since been repatriated to the United States from the Judicial Morgue.
As of now, management at Arenas del Mar has not issued a public statement addressing the incident or the ongoing inquiry.
In contrast, safe levels of the gas should register at zero ppm.
Zúñiga indicated that these findings support the hypothesis that Gardner may have succumbed to toxic gas inhalation.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause symptoms such as nausea and dizziness at lower concentrations, while prolonged exposure to levels above 400 ppm can lead to unconsciousness or death.
Investigators have identified a mechanical room adjacent to Gardner's room as a potential source of the carbon monoxide contamination.
The Fire Department and the Ministry of Health have been notified of the situation; however, it remains unclear whether the hotel has been temporarily closed or if any modifications have been made pending further investigation.
The ongoing inquiry is being supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and forensic toxicology results are currently awaited to establish the precise cause of Gardner’s death.
Initial investigative findings have already been communicated to U.S. authorities.
Prior to his passing, Gardner had dined at a restaurant near the hotel on March 20 with his family.
Upon returning to the hotel, he reported feeling unwell and was subsequently examined by a doctor engaged by the hotel.
The following morning, a relative discovered him unresponsive in his hotel room, while authorities have not confirmed whether other family members experienced similar symptoms.
The case falls under the jurisdiction of the OIJ's Regional Subdelegation in Quepos and Parrita.
Gardner’s remains have since been repatriated to the United States from the Judicial Morgue.
As of now, management at Arenas del Mar has not issued a public statement addressing the incident or the ongoing inquiry.
