Costa Rican officials conducted a raid on the hotel where Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner, died nearly six months ago. This marked the first official search of the Arena Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort since the tragic event on March 21, when the 14-year-old was believed to have succumbed to carbon monoxide inhalation.
Prosecutor Kenneth Alvarez stated that the initial examination identified toxic substances at the location. A subsequent testing procedure was carried out during this recent search to collect further evidence.
Authorities are now investigating whether Miller’s death could be classified as manslaughter. Initially, it was thought he had choked on vomit while asleep, but later assessments showed that there was no blockage in his airway.
In April, officials indicated that the hotel’s machinery—specifically, the area next to Miller’s room where the pool equipment is located—might have contributed to the carbon monoxide poisoning.
During Thursday’s search, investigators focused on the hotel’s management, maintenance, and accounting offices, gathering both physical and digital evidence, Alvarez noted.
Alvarez mentioned that a member of the hotel staff has consistently been cooperative throughout the investigation.
As of now, no arrests or charges have been made.
Brett Gardner, who enjoyed a 14-season career with the Yankees, has not publicly spoken since announcing the tragic news about his son on March 24. Miller had been vacationing with his family when the unfortunate incident occurred.
In a statement released after his passing, Brett and his wife Jessica shared their heartbreak. They expressed, “There are so many questions at this point, and there are few answers, but I know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday March 21st. Miller is our beloved son and brother, and we still can’t understand our lives without his infectious smile. He loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family, and his friends.”
Ultimately, they remarked, “He lived his life to the fullest every day.”
