🚨 LEGAL ACTION: Lawsuit Filed Over Death of Brett Gardner’s Son at Costa Rica Resort – Owners Blamed for Tragic Incident!👇
In a heart-wrenching development, Brett Gardner, the former New York Yankees outfielder, has filed a lawsuit against the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Costa Rica following the tragic death of his 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner, in March 2025. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Philadelphia federal court, holds the resort’s owners and operators responsible for the carbon monoxide poisoning that claimed the young boy’s life. Brett Gardner and his family members are also seeking compensation for their injuries, which were caused by the same toxic gas.
A Family Vacation Turned Tragic
What was meant to be a peaceful family vacation at the beautiful Manuel Antonio beach, located in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, turned into a devastating ordeal for Brett Gardner and his relatives. The Gardners were staying at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort when tragedy struck. While the family was enjoying their time together, Miller Gardner tragically passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and Brett Gardner, along with other family members, fell ill from the toxic gas.
The Costa Rican authorities, led by Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency, confirmed that Miller Gardner had dangerously high levels of carboxyhemoglobin in his blood, a compound produced when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin. This chemical reaction prevents the blood from properly carrying oxygen, leading to suffocation and, in Miller’s case, death. The testing revealed that the young boy’s blood was saturated with this deadly compound, confirming the tragic cause of death.
The Allegations: Negligence and Improper Ventilation
The Gardners’ lawsuit targets both the owners and operators of the resort, David Callan and R. Scott Williams, along with the Hawk Opportunity Fund LP, a venture capital firm based in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges that the resort’s machine room was poorly ventilated, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate, ultimately leading to Miller Gardner’s fatal poisoning and the injuries to other family members who were exposed to the toxic fumes.
The Gardners argue that the resort’s negligence in maintaining proper ventilation and safety standards directly contributed to the incident. The lawsuit seeks damages for the wrongful death of Miller Gardner as well as for the physical and emotional suffering endured by his family. The resort’s failure to ensure a safe environment for their guests has led to this tragic outcome, and now the Gardners are seeking justice.
The Defendants: Who is Responsible?
The lawsuit names several defendants involved in the operation of the resort, including the resort owners, David Callan and R. Scott Williams, as well as the Hawk Opportunity Fund LP, the venture capital firm that has financial ties to the resort. Messages seeking comment were left on Friday at businesses linked to the fund and the two men, but no immediate responses have been provided.
Brett Gardner, who spent 14 seasons with the New York Yankees, has been deeply affected by the loss of his son. Throughout his career, Gardner was known for his speed and consistency, with a career batting average of .256, along with 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, and 274 steals. Gardner’s achievements on the field have made him a beloved figure in the baseball world, but it is his personal tragedy that now brings him into the legal spotlight.
The Aftermath: Seeking Justice and Accountability

While the Gardners continue to mourn their loss, they are now seeking justice through the legal system. Their lawsuit not only seeks to hold the resort accountable for the carbon monoxide poisoning but also to send a broader message about the importance of ensuring safety in hospitality settings. The lawsuit alleges gross negligence and calls for the responsible parties to be held financially accountable for the suffering they caused.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Brett Gardner and his family members are likely to face emotional and legal challenges as they try to navigate this complex situation. The tragic incident at the Arenas Del Mar Resort has raised important questions about safety regulations, particularly in regard to ensuring proper ventilation in areas where dangerous gases like carbon monoxide may be present.
A Larger Conversation About Resort Safety
This case also brings attention to the broader issue of safety in resorts and hotels. With families traveling around the world, often to unfamiliar destinations, the importance of safety protocols and environmental hazards cannot be overstated. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer, and without proper ventilation, the consequences can be fatal, as was the case for Miller Gardner.
Brett Gardner’s case may set a precedent for other families who have experienced similar tragedies while on vacation. The Gardners’ decision to take legal action highlights the need for businesses to prioritize guest safety, ensuring that all equipment and facilities are maintained to the highest standards to avoid potential hazards.