Brett Gardner’s family sues following the death of their 14-year-old son.

Former Yankees Player Brett Gardner Files Lawsuit After Son’s Death

Nearly a year after the tragic death of his 14-year-old son, Miller, due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a Costa Rican resort, Brett Gardner, a former New York Yankees outfielder, has initiated legal action against the hotel. The lawsuit was filed on Friday.

Miller passed away on March 21 of last year at the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. Authorities concluded the cause of death after investigating potential food poisoning and suffocation.

“This past year has been incredibly painful for our family,” Gardner noted in a statement. “We’ve always believed this tragedy was preventable, and the initial investigation backs that up. We want to create awareness and advocate for real change. Our hope is that taking responsibility in this way can stop other families from going through similar horrors.”

The lawsuit claims that the resort’s mechanical room and its equipment failed to meet basic safety standards, contributing to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels. The family seeks damages for gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, and other grievances.

Interestingly, all four family members experienced severe illness overnight, with unknown causes. Gardner himself underwent severe vomiting and paralysis, leaving him unable to move. His wife, Jessica, experienced nausea and weakness, among other troubling symptoms, including a mysterious head injury she cannot recall how it occurred. Their eldest son, Hunter, managed to seek fresh air and might have prevented worse outcomes for himself.

The Gardners assert that the resort should have recognized the danger posed to their family. According to their legal representation, an investigation revealed that there were no carbon monoxide monitors in the mechanical room or the family’s cabin.

Miller’s blood tests revealed alarming levels of carboxyhemoglobin, a compound formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin. A saturation level of 64% was recorded, with anything over 50% deemed lethal.

“The management at Arenas del Mar failed to uphold their duty to safeguard guests from carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated Michael Elsner of Motley Rice. “Records indicate that they were alerted to safety issues but did not make necessary improvements. There needs to be accountability for decisions like this.”

In September, Costa Rican authorities conducted a raid on the resort, marking the first formal search since Miller’s passing, although the investigation continued. As of now, neither the resort nor Costa Rican officials have commented on the situation.