Investigators investigate the death of Teen Miller Gardner, the son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, and experts talk about their exposure to food-related illnesses while on the trip and how serious they are.
The Gardners were on vacation in Costa Rica when they announced their tragic losses.
“There are so many questions at this point, and there are few answers, but I know that he settled asleep and passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday March 21st,” Gardner said in a statement released by the Yankees.
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“Miller is our beloved son and brother, and we still can’t understand our lives without his infectious smile. He loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived his life to the fullest every day.”
Miller Gardner (center), the son of former Yankees player Brett Gardner (far right), passed away while his family was on vacation in Costa Rica. (Commentary by the New York Yankees)
Brett and Jessica Gardner said other families got sick on vacation.
The focus of the investigation has shifted to the possibility of food poisoning, law enforcement officials said Wednesday in Fox News Digital.
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The cause of Miller Gardner’s death remains unconfirmed, but the incident reminds us of the health risks that travelers may face.
Before today’s game, we had a moment of silence to remember Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.
Miller had an extroverted, lively personality and a warm and loving nature with sparks in his eyes. Miller grew up in the Yankees organization and had …pic.twitter.com/rkrvvswnju
– New York Yankees (@yankees) March 27, 2025
Frances Capeise, a New York-based travel expert, told Fox News Digital there are several safety factors to consider during the holidays.
According to the Page, travelers should choose hot and fresh dishes and prioritize cooked foods to avoid raw or cooked foods, especially seafood.


The focus of the investigation has shifted to the possibility of food poisoning, judicial authorities told Fox News Wednesday. (Commentary by the New York Yankees)
“Beware of buffets and salad bars. Food left over for a long period of time is more likely to harbor bacteria,” Page said.
She also said people should be careful about food on the streets.
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“While some food on street stalls are safe, others may not be prepared or stored under hygienic conditions.”


“While some food on street stalls are safe, others may not be prepared or stored under hygienic conditions,” Page said. (istock)
According to the page, if possible, I stripped my own fruits and vegetables to make sure they were clean.
She added that drink ice should be avoided as it could be made from contaminated water.
“Beware wherever you suspect dirty water. You can be surprised. I myself caught surfing 20-year-old Malibu Beach while surfing everywhere,” Page said.
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“I grew up surfing in dirty waters and was warned early about packing safety packs if there could be health or health risks,” she added.
According to the page, bacterial test strips can be made available for use in water samples, which can identify possible contaminations.
Dr. Marc Siegel, professor of clinical medicine at Nyu Langone Health and a senior medical analyst at Fox News, said in Costa Rica, water is generally considered safe at resorts.
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“However, when you’re abroad, including Mexico and Central America, using bottled water when brushing your teeth is a wise precaution,” Siegel said.
“As the Gardner family has reportedly reported, eating at local restaurants should be careful,” he added. “We’re looking to stay away from salads and uncooked vegetables due to concerns about bacteria and parasites.”
In addition to addressing the safety of food consumption, Siegel advised travelers to use insect repellents to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.