Samples From Restaurant Brett Gardner’s Son Dined at Will Be Tested 

Local Costa Rica officials are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of New York Yankees alum Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller.

Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia, an official with the country’s Judicial Investigations Agency, told the Daily Mail on Wednesday, March 26, that it is possible Gardner’s son died after “possible food poisoning.”

According to Alvarado Garcia, food samples from a local restaurant where Gardner, 41, and his family ate a meal have since been taken for testing and analysis. If the food is found to be a factor in Miller’s death, then the eatery could potentially be prosecuted for its involvement.

While Alvarado Garcia did not name the restaurant in the investigation, the local Le Papillon Restaurant denied any wrongdoing.

“We would like to clarify that the Gardner family dined at our restaurant … on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – three days before Miller’s tragic passing,” the eatery, located inside the Hotel La Mariposa, told the Daily Mail in a statement. “Any claims suggesting a link between our restaurant and this heartbreaking event are entirely false and unfounded.”

Gardner and his wife, Jessica, took their family (they also share eldest son Hunter) on vacation in Costa Rica earlier this month. The couple confirmed on Sunday, March 23, that Miller suddenly died two days prior after “falling ill.” Neither Gardner nor his spouse disclosed Miller’s illness.

“With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller. He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” Gardner and Jessica wrote in a statement shared via the Yankees’ X account. “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”

They added, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

Gardner and his wife also thanked social media followers for their support.

“We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss,” the couple concluded. “Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.”

Miller’s preliminary cause of death was initially ruled as asphyxia before investigators later clarified that his airway was not obstructed. An investigation is ongoing.