The death of the teenage son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, officials in Costa Rica said on Wednesday.
Miller Gardner died on March 21 while vacationing with his family at a hotel in the country. According to an Associated Press report, Judicial Investigation Agency director Randall Z¨²?iga said the 14-year-old's body was found to have a lethal amount of a compound called carboxyhemoglobin, which is produced when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood.
"It's important to note that adjacent to this room is a dedicated machine room, where it's believed there may be some type of contamination toward these rooms," Z¨²?iga said, according to the AP.
It was initially suspected that Miller Gardner may have died from asphyxiation, but an autopsy ruled that out. Food poisoning was also considered as the cause early in the investigation, as several other family members reported feeling sick after a meal on the night of March 20.
"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," the Gardner family said in a statement distributed by the Yankees after their son's death.
"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."