Miller Gardner, aged 14, died from carbon monoxide poisoning, confirms Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency.
The Judicial Investigation Agency of
Costa Rica (OIJ) announced on Wednesday evening that the cause of death for 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, has been officially confirmed following toxicology results.
Randall Zúñiga, the director of the OIJ, disclosed that the toxicology examination revealed a carbon monoxide saturation level of 64% in the boy’s blood.
According to Zúñiga, carbon monoxide levels exceeding 50% are considered lethal, reinforcing the hypothesis that Gardner died as a result of exposure to toxic gases.
The OIJ emphasized that this finding effectively concludes the investigation into Miller Gardner's death, pending the submission of the toxicology report to the Legal Medicine department for inclusion in the forensic autopsy report.
Medical experts explain that carboxyhemoglobin is a stable complex formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, inhibiting the proper transport of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
This binding displays a higher affinity for hemoglobin as compared to oxygen, hence posing significant health risks, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
In related news, Oscar Arias, former president of
Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, made headlines this week for his criticisms regarding U.S. foreign policy under presidents Trump and Biden.
Arias emphasized the need for
Costa Rica to maintain its sovereignty in foreign relations, particularly in light of U.S.-China dynamics.
He lamented the current administration's adherence to U.S. directives, particularly concerning diplomatic stances on China, while reflecting on his own presidency, which he claimed was marked by independence from U.S. influence.
Meanwhile, the Costa Rican radio industry mourns the loss of Juan de la Cruz Velásquez, a prominent radio entrepreneur, who passed away on April 1. Velásquez owned the frequency 92.3 FM, previously home to the youth station Wao.
His funeral service is set for April 2, at the National Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In further news, the entertainment world grieved the death of Arsenio Campos, a beloved Mexican telenovela actor, known for his roles in over 30 productions.
Campos died at the age of 79, with tributes being shared across social media channels in memory of his contributions to television and theater.
Tragedy struck southern
Costa Rica when a 12-year-old child lost his life in a vehicular accident in Cariari de Pococí.
Reports indicate the child was riding a motorcycle with a relative when their vehicle collided with a truck, leading to immediate fatalities.
Emergency services transported the injured relative to a local clinic.
A separate traffic incident claimed the life of another child, aged 11, who was involved in a collision while riding with a family member on a motorcycle.
Witnesses reported the bike was struck by a truck that fled the scene.
The Costa Rican community reacted strongly to these recent tragedies, with local schools expressing condolences and support for the bereaved families.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding these accidents is ongoing, as authorities seek to confirm details and accountability.