Resort where son of ex-Yankees star died seemingly tries to distance itself from food poisoning report

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The Costa Rican resort where the son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died has issued its first statement on the tragedy.

And it seems like it is trying to distance itself from reports that 14-year-old Miller Gardner suffered food poisoning there.

“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 on Tuesday.

“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.”

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

The initial cause of death was believed to be asphyxiation, which was later proven to be false.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police ruled out asphyxiation because the teen’s airways were not obstructed, though he had vomited in his bed.

As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine if food poisoning was the cause of his death, CNN reported.

According to reports from Costa Rican news outlets, Miller became ill after eating something, but details of what caused his death have not been revealed pending an autopsy.

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 Gardners were staying at the upscale Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest resort in Manuel Antonio, a tourist hotspot on the country’s Pacific Coast, when Miller became seriously ill along with several members of his family, local officials told Inside Edition.

Local investigators initially said the teen’s sudden death may have been the result of “possible intoxication after apparently ingesting some food,” according to NBC News.

The U.S. State Department confirmed to the New York Post that Costa Rican authorities are actively investigating his death and are closely monitoring the local authorities’ investigation.

“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.

Officials are working with the family to have Miller’s body returned to the U.S.

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.”

Miller was the youngest of the Gardners’ two sons.

Gardner, 41, played for the Yankees from 2008 to 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series championship team. He made one all-star team during his career and won a Gold Glove in 2016.

During his career, he hit .256 with 139 home runs and 578 RBIs while stealing 274 bases.

He retired after the Yankees chose not to re-sign him following the 2021 season.