Costa Rica Hotel Denies Allegations of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Tragic Death of Brett Gardner’s Son

The hotel in Costa Rica where Miller, the son of Brett Gardner, tragically passed away during a family holiday, is disputing allegations that carbon monoxide poisoning caused the 14-year-old’s demise.

In a declaration to PEOPLE on Tuesday, April 1, a representative for the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort asserts that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the family’s accommodation was “non-lethal.”

“We acknowledge that concern has escalated, and to provide clarification, the elevated levels of carbon monoxide were present in a mechanical area not accessed by guests. The levels in the hotel room were absent and non-lethal. There was an inaccuracy in the initial reporting,” hotel representative Dana Cohen stated. “As previously mentioned, we await conclusive outcomes to determine the cause of this tragic death.”

The New York Post was the first to disclose this information.

Miller became unwell and passed away on Friday, March 21, as confirmed by his parents Brett and Jessica on March 23.

The resort’s statement on April 1 conflicts with a March 31 video announcement made by Randall Zúñiga, which was uploaded to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency YouTube account. In the statement, it was indicated that a “hazardous atmospheres” team had performed tests in the room where his family resided at the resort and discovered elevated levels of the gas.

“During that investigation, high levels of carbon monoxide contamination were found in that room. This prompts us to pursue a line of inquiry suggesting that this individual may have succumbed to inhaling these very hazardous gases,” Zúñiga remarked.

The fire department and the Ministry of Health were also informed regarding the situation, as per the official’s statement. “We must also await the final results of the forensic toxicology, which will accurately determine the cause of this young man’s death,” Zúñiga stated.

Following the release of the Judicial Investigation Agency’s report on March 31, Cohen expressed that the company is “heartbroken by the tragic loss” of Miller. “We are thoroughly cooperating with the Costa Rican judicial authorities overseeing the investigation. We are confident that the forensic process will objectively, transparently, and definitively clarify the reasons behind this unfortunate event,” she added.

“Out of respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings and the family’s privacy, we will avoid commenting on any unverified theories or potential causes.”

Brett, an esteemed outfielder for the New York Yankees, along with his wife Jessica, shared an obituary for Miller on March 31.

“The emptiness left by Miller’s passing resonates deeply in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, educators, coaches, and others for years to come,” the Gardners stated in the obituary, emphasizing that their family will “always treasure the places they explored, the individuals they encountered, the friendships they forged, and the memories they built together.”

“In this time of unimaginable grief, the family prays that happiness and healing will embrace others who share in their sorrow,” they concluded.