Costa Rican authorities are still seeking answers in the tragic death of Miller Gardner.
The 14-year-old son of ex-Yankees star Brett Gardner died at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort on March 21, with investigators continuing to determine if the cause will be homicide.
“The purpose of the investigation is precisely to determine whether or not we are dealing with a possible homicide,” a spokeswoman for the Prosecutor’s Office of Costa Rica told ESPN on Thursday. “For this reason, it is not possible at this time to confirm or rule out that a crime has been committed.”
Gardner died of carbon monoxide inhalation according to a toxicology report in early April, which noted “high levels” of the noxious gas in his hotel room, which was adjacent to a mechanical room.
The resort denied the validity of a report by the Judicial Investigation Agency of Costa Rica that revealed high levels of carbon monoxide in the Gardner family’s hotel room, saying that the high levels were confined to the machine room.
Authorities are seemingly still in the first stage of their criminal procedure of collecting and analyzing evidence, with a potential second stage involving formal charges before a trial.
Gardner was initially theorized to have died from asphyxiation in his sleep after choking on vomit after food poisoning, but was later revealed to have no windpipe blockage.
The Gardner family has not commented on Miller’s death since publishing an obituary for the teen on March 31.
“The void Miller’s passing leaves in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, teachers, coaches and others will be felt for years,” the family wrote.
“Miller’s time here with [his friends and family] was brief, but his spirit will carry on forever through those who were impacted by the way he lived. Miller was so blessed with experiences and friendships in his 14 years, and would want other children to have the opportunity to create their own wonderful memories.”
Brett Gardner, 41, played the final of his 14 MLB seasons with the Yankees in 2021.
He won the 2009 World Series with the team, collecting an All-Star appearance and a Gold Glove throughout his career, all spent in The Bronx.