This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
APRIL 3, 2025 UPDATE:
Carbon monoxide poisoning has been confirmed as the cause of death of former New York Yankees Brett Garner’s teenage son Miller in Costa Rica.
According to ESPN, “Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, said 14-year-old Miller Gardner was tested for carboxyhemoglobin, a compound generated when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood. When carboxyhemoglobin saturation exceeds 50%, it is considered lethal. In Gardner’s case, the test showed a saturation of 64%.”
Last week, news broke that the son of former Yankee player Brett Gardner had tragically passed away while on vacation. Fourteen-year-old Miller Gardner was Brett’s youngest son and was part of a family that had long been a favorite of Yankees fans, especially during Gardner’s 13 years with the team (2008-2021). Brett was loved for his hustle, commitment and key moments during the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory (I was at that game).
I didn’t write about Miller’s death immediately because there was no information about how it happened and I didn’t want to speculate. It’s one of the most heartbreaking topics to cover and every parent’s worst nightmare.
On March 23, The Yankees shared the devastating news with a statement from Brett and his wife, Jessica:
“Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on 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.
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.
We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.
Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
Statement from Brett and Jessica Gardner:
With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many… pic.twitter.com/lBCBVmKGUe
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 23, 2025
We now know that Miller’s death occurred in Costa Rica at the Arenas Del Mar Resort. According to ESPN, Randall Zuniga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ), announced in a Monday press conference that Miller’s death is now being investigated as potentially linked to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Zuniga also revealed that tests were conducted on Friday in “the room where the family was staying,” a week after Miller was found dead in his hotel room. These tests showed “high emissions of carbon monoxide contamination,” suggesting that the cause of death might have been due to “inhalation of hazardous gases.” He pointed out that these were initial findings and that forensic toxicology results are still awaited.
Zuniga said the room tested was next to “a machine room,” which investigators believe may have been the source of the carbon monoxide contamination.
“Levels of up to 600 parts per million were detected, while the acceptable level should be zero in this case,” Zuniga explained.
Just last week, officials in Belize confirmed that three American women from Massachusetts who were found dead at a hotel in San Pedro in February “died of carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by a faulty instant water heater.” CBS News
Sadly, this is not uncommon, which is why every year, I remind readers to travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector. I bought one, though I sometimes forget to pack it, which gives me agita—Italian slang for anxiety. I highly recommend packing it for peace of mind.
KEEP READING
–How to save money with a secret third carry-on
–How to use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies
–10 airport security hacks every traveler should know
–How to get the best coach seat on the plane
–The sleep hack every traveler needs to know
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
Do you normally take the carbon monoxide monitor even if you’re staying at a hotel and not an Airbnb?
It’s really surprising and terrifying to hear that these tourists died at hotels and resorts!
It is terrifying. I have in the past traveled with one but I think I forgot it at a rental. I now have a new one on my desk to take on our next trip.