Investigation focus in death of ex-Yankees star's son shifts to possible food poisoning

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The focus of the investigation into the cause of death of former New York Yankees star Brett Gardner’s son in Costa Rica shifted to possible food poisoning, a judicial official told Fox News on Wednesday.

Miller Gardner, 14, died while on vacation with his family in the Central American country on March 21. The Gardner family released a statement through the Yankees on Sunday announcing their tragic loss on Sunday.

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Yankees' Brett Gardner walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Rays, Oct. 2, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Marisel Rodriguez Solis, the head of press for Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), told Fox News the investigation has shifted to possible food poisoning as the most likely cause, but that asphyxiation has not been ruled out just yet. The results from the forensic and pathology tests could take anywhere between one to four months to come back.

Officials in Costa Rica have yet to interview the Gardner family as of Tuesday afternoon.

"With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller," the Gardner family said over the weekend. "He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation," their statement read. "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.

"Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting,