Full Breakdown
Brett Gardner's Family Files Lawsuit Following Son's Carbon Monoxide Death
3/21/2026, 4:05:01 PM
Tragic Incident at Costa Rican Resort
Former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his family have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners and operators of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica. This legal action comes nearly one year after the tragic death of their 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning on March 21, 2025. The family alleges that the resort's negligence and failure to comply with basic safety standards led to the fatal incident.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit claims that the resort's mechanical room, which was adjacent to the family's accommodations, lacked proper ventilation and contained a gas water heater that contributed to the dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. The Gardners argue that the resort's management had been warned about safety issues but failed to implement necessary changes. The family is seeking damages for gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, and other related claims.
Miller Gardner's death was confirmed to be caused by carbon monoxide exposure, with tests revealing a carboxyhemoglobin saturation level of 64%, which is considered lethal. Brett Gardner, along with his wife Jessica and older son Hunter, also experienced severe illness during their stay, with symptoms including vomiting and paralysis.
Official Statements & Responses
Brett Gardner expressed the family's anguish, stating, "This has been the most excruciating year for our family. We felt all along that this tragedy could have been prevented, and the preliminary investigation reports confirmed our beliefs." The family's attorney, Michael Eisner, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Documents show they were warned and failed to implement simple changes for the safety of their guests."
The resort has not publicly responded to the lawsuit, but previously denied the presence of carbon monoxide in the family's room, attributing the poisoning to a mechanical room that guests do not occupy. Costa Rican authorities have been conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, which could potentially lead to criminal charges.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the resort's management have pointed to the lack of carbon monoxide detectors in both the mechanical room and guest accommodations as a significant oversight. The Gardners' lawsuit highlights that other guests may have suffered similar health issues during their stays, raising questions about the resort's safety protocols.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial investigations considered food poisoning as a possible cause of the family's illness, but this theory was ruled out after carbon monoxide was identified as the cause of Miller's death. The ongoing investigation by Costa Rican authorities has not yet resulted in any criminal charges, and the timeline for potential legal action remains unclear.
What's Next
The civil lawsuit filed in federal court in Pennsylvania is expected to proceed as the Gardners seek accountability for the circumstances surrounding Miller's death. Meanwhile, the investigation in Costa Rica continues, with authorities examining the possibility of manslaughter charges against those responsible for the resort's operations.
The Gardner family's legal battle underscores the importance of safety standards in hospitality settings and aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
