The autopsy results of Brett Gardner’s son may take months, an official with Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency said.

Miller Gardner, the son of retired New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and wife Jessica Gardner, died on March 21. The 14-year-old was on vacation in Costa Rica with his family when he became ill. The Associated Press reported all of the Gardners became sick after dining at a nearby restaurant, and they were treated by the hotel doctor.

Juan Pablo Alvarado Garcia told The Daily Mail that gang activity in Costa Rica are causing the delay.

“We’re having a hike in homicides as these drug gangs battle for territory, and every one of them needs an autopsy,” he said. “I can confirm that an autopsy has been carried out on Miller, but the full analysis and results—as in every one of them—will take at least two to three months due to these constant killings causing a backlog of cases. That’s the reality.”

According to Statista data, Costa Rica’s homicide rate was 17.3 for every 100,000 inhabitants in 2023—a sharp increase from previous years.

It was initially reported that Miller Gardner’s preliminary cause of death was asphyxiation, but an autopsy performed by the Forensic Pathology Section dismissed that.

The report stated, per AP: “No abnormalities were found in the respiratory tract, so samples were sent for histological, toxicological, and neuropathological analysis to the OIJ forensic laboratories, in addition to a study at the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA) at the University of Costa Rica (UCR).”

Brett Gardner played for the Yankees for all 14 seasons of his Major League Baseball career from 2008 to 2021. The 41-year-old and Jessica Gardner got married in 2007.

On Sunday, his former team announced the teenager’s death on behalf of his parents via X, formerly Twitter.

“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. 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 Yankees’ post read.

“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.”

“We are so thankful to all who have reached out to offer support and encouragement during this difficult time and we are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss. Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief.”

The statement concluded: “Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”

The Yankees’ 2025 season began on Thursday with a win against the Milwaukee Brewers, and the MLB team honored Miller Gardner with a moment of silence before the game. Players from both teams could be seen with their hats off and their heads bowed down during the tribute.