Former New York Yankees athlete, Brett Gardner, and his wife, Jessica, filed a lawsuit against Costa Rica’s Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort for the wrongful death of their son, Miller, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on a family vacation there nearly one year ago.
US WEEKLY confirmed that, ‘Motley Rice LLC filed a lawsuit today on behalf of a family following the tragic and preventable death of their teenage son due to carbon monoxide poisoning,’ a Friday, March 20, press release from the couple’s lawyer read.
‘The teen, identified in the filing as MMG, died while vacationing with his parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner, and his older brother, identified as HG, at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica.’
Brett announced the death in March 2025. ‘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,’ a statement read at the time.
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‘We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.’
Brett and Jessica 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.’
Local Costa Rican officials confirmed later that Miller died after exposure to carbon monoxide in his hotel room.
The Arenas Del Mar released a statement after Miller’s death.
‘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.’
Nearly one year after the death, Brett and Jessica are seeking damages for gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, vicarious liability, breach of warranty and loss of filial consortium.
Court documents obtained say the hotel failed to comply with basic safety standards.
‘Other guests of the hotel suffered similar injuries when staying in the same guest rooms. Even after learning of these dangerous conditions, [the hotel] failed to remedy these dangerous conditions, thereby unnecessarily causing the death of [Miller] and [the couple’s] injuries.’
Brett said in a statement released via his attorney’s press release. ‘This has been the most excruciating year for our family. We felt all along that this tragedy could have been prevented, and the preliminary investigation reports confirmed our beliefs.’
The statement added, ‘We are committed to raising awareness and pursuing meaningful change. Our hope and prayer is that by taking this stand for accountability, we can help prevent another family from suffering from such a tragedy.’
The Arenas Del Mar has not responded to the Gardners’ lawsuit when US WEEKLY reached out for comment.
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