New theory investigated in death of ex-Yankee Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son

Article content

The mystery surrounding the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner, has taken another turn.

According to reports, Costa Rican authorities are now considering the possibility that the 14-year-old died from an allergic reaction to medication.

After a “preliminary ruling ruled out asphyxiation” as the cause of death, a source close to the investigation told ABC News there is a possibility Miller had a reaction to medication he was given after feeling sick.

According to the Gardners’ original statement about Miller’s death, other members of the family also fell ill during the vacation.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

“The hotel staff dispatched a medical team immediately, including a licensed doctor, which arrived to handle the emergency situation,” the resort told the outlet Tuesday.

“Our hotel protocol at Arenas Del Mar does not allow for hotel staff to provide any medication to guests.”

The source, however, emphasized that the autopsy has not been completed and that any theories are just preliminary. It is believed that an autopsy could take two or three months to be completed, due to a backlog in the Central American country.

After asphyxiation had been ruled out as a cause of death — the teen’s airways were not obstructed, though he had vomited in his bed — food poisoning also has been considered in the case.

On Tuesday, Arenas Del Mar issued a statement seemingly trying to distance itself from that claim.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort said in Spanish in a statement to the New York Post.

“The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.

“We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety while respecting the privacy of those affected.”

The Gardner family was vacationing at the resort near Manuel Antonio National Park when Miller died on Friday after falling ill.

Meanwhile, Hotel La Mariposa and Restaurant Le Papillon, another local restaurant where the Gardners dined while on vacation, also denied that their food could be blamed for the boy’s death.

“In response to misinformation on social media, we would like to clarify that the Gardner family visited our Le Papillon restaurant on Tuesday evening, March 18, three days before Miller’s unfortunate passing,” the restaurant said, according to Costa Rica’s Diario Extra.

The U.S. State Department has said officials are working with the family to have Miller’s body returned to the U.S.

“Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time,” the department said.

In a statement over the weekend, Brett Gardner and wife Jessica noted that Miller fell ill “along with several other family members” during the 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,” the family’s statement said.

“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”