Gardner family sues resort over teenager's death - ESPN

Family of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners and operators of the Costa Rican resort where their 14-year-old son Miller died of carbon monoxide poisoning in March 2025. The lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to comply with basic safety standards, pointing to the placement of a gas water heater and lack of proper ventilation near guest rooms. The family's attorney stated there was evidence of prior warnings and similar incidents involving other guests in the same rooms. Miller and several family members became seriously ill; Brett Gardner described fighting for his life and feeling unable to move. Authorities initially suggested food poisoning but later confirmed carbon monoxide as the cause. The federal lawsuit names two Pennsylvania executives and their venture capital firm connected to the resort. No criminal charges have been filed yet, and the investigation continues.

The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, gross negligence, and emotional distress. Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) had previously considered asphyxiation before ruling out foul play, though prosecutors later stated the case remained under investigation for potential manslaughter. Miller Gardner, a high school football player, was staying in rooms adjacent to a mechanical control room from which the lawsuit claims the carbon monoxide emanated. Brett Gardner, a 14-time All-Star with the Yankees, retired in 2021 after a championship season in 2009. ESPN's Gueorgui Milkov contributed to this report.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols in hospitality, particularly regarding carbon monoxide detection and ventilation in enclosed spaces near guest accommodations. The lawsuit's success hinges on proving the resort's negligence directly caused Miller Gardner's death and the subsequent illnesses suffered by his parents and brother.