Authorities Raid Costa Rican Hotel In Investigation Of Death Of Yankee Brett Gardner’s Son

Authorities in Costa Rica conducted a raid at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort on Thursday following the March death of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner.

Prosecutor Kenneth Alvarez spoke to ESPN and said the raid was intended to gather evidence related to Miller Gardner’s autopsy. It was the first raid conducted at the hotel since March 28, a week after the boy’s death.

“Let us remember that what was done at that time was the measurement of toxic substances at the site,” Alvarez said. “Based on those tests, a second proceeding was scheduled, which was carried out today to collect evidence.”

The teen died at the resort in Manuel Antonio on March 21 while with his family. Twelve days later, Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) authorities said carbon monoxide caused the death, possibly coming from the adjacent “machine room.”

Alvarez said Thursday’s investigation and raid included searches of the offices of management, maintenance, and accounting, in addition to examining digital and physical evidence. The prosecutor also said there are potential allegations of manslaughter, which are included in the investigation.

“These proceedings seek to confirm or rule out the possibility of negligent homicide, that is, to determine whether this person’s death was caused by a breach of duty of care,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office said on Thursday in a statement. “For now, no one has been charged.”

The statement also wrote that the raid was needed to “seize another type of evidence.”

Brett Gardner spent 14 seasons with the Yankees from 2008 to 2021. He was a part of the 2009 World Series team, posting a .154 hitting average as the Yankees claimed their 27th championship. He retired following the conclusion of the 2021 season.