MANUEL ANTONIO, Costa Rica – The baseball world and the Gardner family are in mourning following the death of 14-year-old Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.Miller passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a sudden illness struck him and several family members during a vacation in Costa Rica.

The family was staying at a hotel in Manuel Antonio, a popular tourist destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. According to the Costa Rica Judicial Inquiry Police (OIJ), the family began experiencing stomach discomfort after returning to their hotel. A hotel doctor initially treated them wiht medication for what was believed to be an upset stomach.

The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, where the Gardners were staying, released a statement expressing their condolences:

“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time. The factors that lead to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.”

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort

The hotel further stated, “We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.”

The OIJ has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miller’s death. Authorities are reviewing security footage and interviewing hotel employees in an attempt to uncover any unusual activity that may have contributed to the incident, according to OIJ official Rodriguez.

Adding complexity to the investigation, the OIJ is awaiting the results of pathological and toxicology exams to determine the precise cause of death. Food poisoning is being considered as a possible factor,but investigators are exploring all potential avenues. The OIJ hopes to conduct virtual interviews with the Gardner family, who returned to the United States on Saturday, to gather further information.

Brett and Jessica Gardner released a heartfelt statement on Sunday, paying tribute to their son: “Miller left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.” They described Miller as “a beloved son and brother” whose “infectious smile” will be deeply missed.“He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends,” they wrote. “He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

The sudden and unexpected nature of Miller’s death highlights the potential risks associated with travel, even to seemingly safe destinations. While Costa rica is generally considered a secure contry for tourists, incidents of foodborne illness and other health hazards can occur. The CDC recommends that travelers to Costa Rica be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and take precautions to avoid contaminated food and water.

This tragedy also brings to the forefront the importance of travel insurance. While it cannot prevent such events, extensive travel insurance can provide financial assistance for medical expenses, emergency transportation, and other unexpected costs that may arise during international travel.Families planning vacations, especially abroad, should carefully consider purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies.

Food Safety Concerns: A Closer Look at Travel Risks

While the investigation is ongoing, the possibility of food poisoning raises serious concerns about food safety practices, especially in tourist destinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects 1 in 6 Americans each year, and the risk can be even higher when traveling internationally.

here are some food safety tips for travelers, notably when visiting countries with different sanitation standards:

• wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
• Drink bottled or boiled water: Avoid tap water,ice cubes,and drinks made with tap water. Ensure that bottled water seals are intact.
• Choose reputable restaurants: Look for establishments that appear clean and well-maintained, and check online reviews.
• Be cautious with street food: If you choose to eat street food, make sure it is cooked fresh and served hot.
• Peel your own fruits and vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before peeling them yourself.

These precautions can considerably reduce the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses while traveling. Recent data from the World Health Institution (WHO) indicates that improved food safety standards globally could prevent millions of illnesses and deaths each year.

Brett Gardner’s Legacy: On and Off the Field

Brett Gardner, a fan favorite known for his speed and defensive prowess, spent his entire 14-year Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees. He was an integral part of the 2009 World Series-winning team and a respected leader in the clubhouse.His dedication to the game and his community earned him the Yankees’ Heart Award multiple times.

Gardner’s

what steps do you take to ensure your safety while traveling?