The upscale Costa Rican resort where the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner died tried to distance itself from reports that he may have suffered food poisoning there — as it issued its first statement on the tragedy.
“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 Post Tuesday.
“The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate,” the resort said.
Miller Gardner seen in an undated photo. TikTok / zoe
Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is seen in an undated photo shared by the team Sunday, March 23, 2025.
“We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety while respecting the privacy of those affected.”
Brett Gardner was vacationing with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons at the resort at the picturesque Manuel Antonio National Park when Miller died in his bed, initially believed to be from asphyxiation.
However, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police ruled out asphyxiation because the teen’s airways were not obstructed. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine if food poisoning was the cause of his death, CNN reported Tuesday.
Authorities told the outlet it was initially thought the cause of death was asphyxiation because Miller had vomited in bed.
Follow the latest on the death of Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son Miller:
- Autopsy results could take months to determine the cause of death for Brett Gardner’s son
- New theory emerges in the sudden death of Miller Gardner: ‘Cops rule out asphyxiation’
- Resort where Brett Gardner’s son died tries to distance itself from report he suffered food poisoning there
- Miller Gardner’s girlfriend posts heartfelt tribute following his sudden death: ‘I just wish I could’ve said goodbye’
- Joe Girardi devastated after learning that Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son died: ‘Hits hard’
According to Costa Rican news outlets, the teen 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, where the Gardners dined while on vacation, also denied that their fare could be to blame for the boy’s death.
An overhead view of the resort in Costa Rica. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort“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.
Brett Gardner, 41, played for the Bronx Bombers for 14 years and was a popular mainstay on the team.
“Our hearts are heavy and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner,” the team said in a statement posted on X on Sunday.
“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team said. “It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.
The family announced the tragic news in a statement over the weekend.
