Ex-Yankee Brett Gardner’s Family Sues Resort Over Son’s Tragic Death
The family of Brett Gardner, a former outfielder for the New York Yankees, has initiated a lawsuit following a tragic incident involving their son. Miller Gardner, age 14, was discovered deceased due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a Costa Rican resort in March 2025. The lawsuit, filed against the resort’s owners and operators, highlights alleged safety negligence that led to this heartbreaking event.
Details of the Lawsuit
The wrongful death suit claims that the resort, specifically Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, failed to meet basic safety standards. The Gardner family insists that there were known risks regarding carbon monoxide emission from a nearby mechanical room where a gas water heater was improperly vented.
- Incident Occurrence: Miller Gardner fell ill along with his family while vacationing.
- Date of Death: March 21, 2025.
- Filed Lawsuit: March 20, 2026.
Family Experiences and Statements
In the wake of the incident, the Gardner family suffered serious health issues. Brett Gardner described a harrowing experience of “fighting for his life” and incapacitation. Their attorney, Michael Eisner, mentioned that prior warnings regarding guest safety went unheeded by the resort operators.
Results of Investigations
Initial investigations by Costa Rican authorities pointed towards an accidental cause of death due to carbon monoxide. On April 2, officials confirmed the death was linked to this gas, which allegedly emanated from the resort’s mechanical facilities.
Despite the ongoing investigations, which include potential manslaughter charges, no criminal charges have been filed so far. Two Pennsylvania executives, David Callan and R. Scott Williams, along with their connected Costa Rican companies, have been named in this federal lawsuit. Communication attempts with both executives have not yielded responses.
The Impact of the Tragedy
Miller Gardner was a high school football player, wearing No. 11, a number that holds significance as it was the same worn by his father during his illustrious MLB career. As a member of the Yankees’ 2009 championship team, Brett Gardner’s legacy continues, but this tragedy has cast a shadow over the family’s life.
The Gardner family is seeking damages not only for wrongful death but also for gross negligence and emotional distress, emphasizing the need for accountability in this sorrowful case. The attorney affirmed that safety measures must be prioritized in the hospitality industry to prevent such tragedies in the future.
