Gardner Family Sues Costa Rican Resort Over Son's Death

Former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his family filed a lawsuit Friday in federal court in Philadelphia against the owners and operators of a Costa Rican resort, alleging negligence led to the carbon monoxide poisoning death of their 14-year-old son last year.

The suit, lodged nearly one year after Miller Gardner's death on March 21, 2025, targets Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort in Manuel Antonio, as well as individuals David Callan and R. Scott Williams, who own and operate the property, and Hawk Opportunity Fund LP, a Pennsylvania-based venture capital firm. The family seeks damages for gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, vicarious liability, breach of warranty, loss of filial consortium, and related claims.

The Gardners were on a family vacation at the resort, which charges about $1,000 per night, when the incident occurred on the fourth night of their stay. According to the lawsuit, their rooms were adjacent to a mechanical room housing a water heater that lacked proper ventilation, allowing toxic carbon monoxide fumes to seep in. All four family members fell violently ill overnight on March 20, experiencing severe symptoms...