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Retired MLB player Brett Gardner and his wife Jessica are enduring a profound loss following the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller.
Miller Gardner tragically passed away on March 21 during a family vacation at the luxurious Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort located near Manuel Antonio National Park.
He was discovered unresponsive in his room after a family dinner the previous evening that reportedly caused severe gastrointestinal symptoms among the members, including vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps.
Gardner Family Faces Prolonged Wait for Autopsy Results Amid Rising Crime in Costa Rica
Instagram | Hunter Gardner
The Gardner family is now facing an agonizing delay, as Costa Rican authorities have indicated that the results of the autopsy could take as long as three months to finalize.
This postponement is set against a backdrop of escalating gang violence in the country, leading to an overwhelming number of homicide cases that have overwhelmed forensic teams.
Rising Homicides Impact Autopsy Timeline for Miller Gardner
Ron Sachs – CNP / MEGA
The Judicial Investigations Agency (OIJ) of Costa Rica has confirmed that an autopsy has been conducted; however, forensic teams are currently inundated with an increasing backlog of cases, primarily linked to drug-related turf wars.
Senior official Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia mentioned, “We’re experiencing a rise in homicides as drug gangs clash over territory, and each one of these cases requires an autopsy,” as reported by the Daily Mail. “The complete analysis and results will take at least two to three months.”
With nearly 1,800 homicides reported over the past two years in Costa Rica, 63% have been attributed to organized crime.
Investigators Explore New Theories in the Untimely Death of Miller Gardner
TikTok | Zoe
As the number of violent incidents rises, the Gardner family remains in a state of uncertainty, while medical professionals investigate various potential causes for Miller’s sudden passing.
Investigator Alvarado has indicated that the initial hypothesis regarding asphyxiation due to food poisoning from vomiting has been dismissed. The focus has turned to three alternate theories: a possible harmful or allergic reaction to medication administered for the family’s illness, an undiagnosed bacterial infection, or issues stemming from neuropathological and histological examinations.
Dr. Kevin Gannon, who leads Manuel Antonio Urgent Care, recounted that emergency responders found the teenager “clinically dead” upon arrival, despite efforts at advanced life support and CPR.
“There wasn’t much we could do,” Dr. Gannon expressed to People, noting the perplexing conditions surrounding Miller’s demise and the inability to ascertain a cause on the scene.
Restaurant Denies Responsibility as Food Samples Are Tested
X | Yankees
Food samples from the Gardners’ dinner on March 20 are being analyzed, and if results suggest food contamination played a role, legal action may ensue.
Le Papillon, a restaurant linked to the Gardners’ dining experience, released a statement distancing itself from the incident, claiming that the family had eaten there three days prior and any associations made between them were “entirely unfounded and false.”
“All necessary samples for the investigation have been collected,” Alvarado confirmed, stating that while the autopsy stage is complete, the quest for answers continues.
The Arenas Del Mar resort also issued a statement offering condolences, expressing, “We are extremely saddened by this loss and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family during this difficult period. The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remain unclear, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities.”
Brett Gardner Reflects on the Life of His Son Miller
Ron Sachs – CNP / MEGA
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, Gardner, a recognized figure from his time with the New York Yankees, and Jessica shared a poignant statement following Miller’s passing.
“He was just 14 years old, taken from us far too soon after becoming ill alongside other family members on vacation. We are left with countless questions and an unsettling shortage of answers,” they expressed. “Miller was a cherished son and brother, with a passion for football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his loved ones. He lived each day to the fullest.”
The U.S. State Department stated to the Daily Mail, “We are actively monitoring the local investigation into the cause of death. In light of the family’s need for privacy during this somber time, we will refrain from further comments.”
As the Gardner family continues to grieve, they are left with an agonizing haze of uncertainty, longing for clarity in the answers they desperately seek.
Source
www.yahoo.com