The sudden, tragic death of retired New York Yankees star Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son, Miller, continues to baffle stunned fans.

The Gardner family was visiting the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast when Miller unexpectedly died in his sleep. Preliminary reports from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) attributed the death to ‘asphyxiation due to intoxication related to food poisoning.’

But while the investigation is far from complete as the OIJ awaits results of an autopsy and toxicology tests, many confused fans were left wondering about the preliminary diagnosis.

Specifically: What is food intoxication?

As explained by the USDA, it’s more commonly known as ‘food poisoning’ and differs from foodborne illness, which results from eating food contaminated by harmful bacteria or other pathogens.

Food intoxication, on the other hand, is ’caused by eating food that contains toxins that are released by pathogens,’ according to the USDA. The organization adds that: ‘Pathogens themselves do not cause illness.’

Miller Gardner (second right) died over the weekend, his parents Brett and Jessica announced

Ex-Yankees star Brett Gardner’s son Miller died while the family were on vacation in Costa Rica

To illustrate this distinction, the USDA points to botulism, which is caused by botulinum toxins and not the bacteria that produce it.

And while some forms of food poisoning or food intoxication can be mild, there is also a risk of muscle paralysis and even respiratory failure.

Significantly, Gardner and his wife Jessica said in announcing their son’s death that several others family members had gotten sick during the trip. It remains unclear if the others in the group are suffering from foodborne illness, as a result of consuming bacteria, or food intoxication, stemming from the ingestion of toxins released by pathogens. 

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort have have responded to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment in a statement, writing: ‘We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our hearts go out to the family during this incredibly difficult time.

‘The factors that led to this tragic incident are unknown, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate.

‘We remain committed to supporting our guests and staff, prioritizing their well-being and safety, while respecting the privacy of those affected.’

The resort, located in the rainforest town of Manuel Antonio, boasts direct beach access, offers expert naturalist guides and a ‘stimulating, colorful, and exciting’ food menu, according to its website.

The Arenas Del Mar website insists that ‘only the best ends up on your plate’ and ‘yes, you’ll eat only the freshest ingredients’ at the resort, which includes the Playitas Beachfront Restaurant and Mirador Oceanview Restaurant.

The family was staying at the luxurious Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

The resort also employs a ‘Dock to Dish’ program for the fish that it serves to guests.

Gardner and his wife Jessica announced the awful news over the weekend, explaining that their son had fallen ill ‘along with several other family members’.

The couple confirmed that Miller had passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday March 21.

‘With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,’ they said.

‘He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.’

They continued: ‘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.’

The State Department also confirmed ‘the death of a US citizen in Costa Rica on March 21.’

The US State Department told the New York Post: ‘We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death.

‘Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment at this time.’

The family is now reportedly working with local authorities to bring Miller’s body back to the United States.

Gardner, 41, played 14 seasons with the Yankees between 2008 and 2021 and was part of their 2009 World Series-winning team. He was an American League All-Star in 2015 and won a Gold Glove in 2016.

The Yankees start the 2025 MLB season at Yankee Stadium on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.